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Arsenal's Champions League Heartbreak: Rooney Blasts Midfield & Fans
Wayne Rooney didn't pull any punches after Arsenal's 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Manchester United legend slammed the Gunners' midfield performance and even criticized the Emirates crowd for their lackluster support.
Rooney's Harsh Assessment
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney singled out Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino for their midfield display, stating they were "all over the place," leaving gaping holes that PSG exploited, particularly for Ousmane Dembélé's early goal. He felt the midfield trio's aggressive pressing left them vulnerable to swift counter-attacks.
Home Support Questioned
Rooney's criticism extended beyond the pitch. He contrasted the electric atmosphere during Arsenal's quarter-final win against Real Madrid with the subdued energy on Tuesday. He suggested that a more fervent home crowd might have boosted the team's performance, highlighting the importance of fan support in high-stakes Champions League matches.
Partey's Absence Felt
Alan Shearer echoed some of Rooney’s concerns, specifically pointing to the absence of Thomas Partey through suspension. Shearer believed Partey's presence could have prevented Dembélé's goal, emphasizing the Ghanaian's defensive capabilities in midfield. Arteta, while acknowledging issues in the first 20 minutes, remained tight-lipped about specifics, suggesting internal corrections had been made. The lack of Partey undeniably impacted Arsenal’s midfield solidity.
PSG's Dominant Display
Despite Arsenal's improved performance after a shaky start, PSG controlled large swathes of the game, with Donnarumma making crucial saves to preserve their lead. While Arsenal had chances, their inability to capitalize proved costly. Even Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal player, noted PSG’s disappointment at not securing a more significant lead.
Looking Ahead
The tie remains far from over. Arsenal will travel to the Parc des Princes for the second leg, needing a victory to overturn the deficit. David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, remains confident, emphasizing Arsenal's ability to win away games. Whether Arsenal can overcome this hurdle, and the evident midfield issues, remains to be seen. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter.
