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History is on our side? We have only played them 5 times in competitive matches. And we have never lost. We have 2 wins and 3 draws. Does that bode well for the semi-final of the Champions League? Maybe. It can help to foster a negative mindset at PSG which could work in our favour. But the reality is that past results have no real power on the pitch. History doesn’t win matches, players do. Another two goals like these, please? Beating Real Madrid at the Bernebau has to be good for Arsenal’s confidence as few teams beat them there and they have a record of comebacks at home. As some may remember, I was at the Emirates for our last match against PSG earlier in the season, where we won 2-0. We had that score after 35 minutes and it truly was a nothing match as we were so comfortable. Donnarumma in the PSG goal allowed Havertz a free header from a Trossard cross after 20 minutes and then Bukayo Saka lobbed a hopeful free kick which Donnarumma somehow let in over his head and the game was over. I think we should have had more but PSG were very disappointing. It was like playing a bottom of the table team, they offered so little. A different Paris Saint Germain? I am certain that will not be the case now. They have got over their uncertain start and are now firing on all cylinders. We will need to be at our best for sure. Honestly, though, I am not sure I would swap any of our players for theirs so I put us ahead on that metric. Luis Enrique has had a strong season in the French league and they are now out of sight of their challengers. They are unbeaten, have 77 points from 29 matches with 82 scored and 27 conceded. Arsenal have 61 scored, also 27 conceded and 63 points from 33 matches so on the league metric PSG are ahead. The French league is not as competitive as the Premier league but I suppose I can concede that metric to them. I wouldn't swap our David for Donnarumma Our European record is greater as we have a Fairs Cup and a Cup Winners Cup to their Cup Winners Cup. We have also played far more games and won far more combined with a strong record of qualifying for the knock out stages. So despite their CL win percentage being a bit better I am going for Arsenal on that metric. PSG Pld W L D F A GD Win% European Cup / Champions League 167 89 30 48 327 191 +136 53.29 Arsenal Champions League / European Cup 223 115 47 61 381 233 +148 51.57 In the domestic leagues and cups our records are similar but a lot rests on how difficult each league is and nobody rates the French as anywhere near the level of the Premier league/old first division. They have 13 French titles and 15 French cups to our 13 titles and 14 cups. That metric has to be Arsenal’s. They will buy the top players, we won’t Where they do have an edge in recent times is in top players signing for them and huge transfer fees. Mbappe, Neymar and the incredible Messi have all graced their side over the past years. Arsenal have never bought the recognized greatest player in the world although Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp surely became contenders for that accolade while at Arsenal. Big time players, then, are another metric for them. They bought the greatest player in the world Luis Enrique vs Arteta? This one is very easy. You cannot compare their records. I am not going to bother listing Enrique’s trophies as he has so many whereas Arteta has really got only one, his FA Cup in his first season. Enrique qualifies as one of the great managers of modern times and Arteta has a long way to go to catch up. Another metric for them but records don’t win matches as I said earlier. We made the greatest player in the world That puts us 3-3 on metrics so far. On the pitch is where it will be won and I truly believe our players, as a unit, are better. Inexperienced players could be our key Both Myles Lewis Skelly and Jakob Kiwior played virtually the entire second half in the first match and that may be important. I am not sure we will have Havertz back but it may be possible. Kiwior could be key. He is showing that he has great ability and Skelly is a little monster. Injuries has thrown up a factor that I have long believed in and that is that with games, players get better. If Kiwior plays to the same level for the rest of the season and gets us our greatest trophy even Arteta may have a huge headache next season regarding central defence. Jakob Kiwior has proven he is a real player I think Skelly is undroppable but perhaps he will replace Partey next season? Fullback is probably not his position. A guy that can score goals like he does is not a fullback. I feel he is like our boy Declan though in how he plays, strong, aggressive, drives forward and can score. Can the two of them fit in midfield? Odegaard is a different type of player so he would not challenge for his position. Again another headache for Mikel. Good players have to play regularly. The same applies to Nwaneri. He has to play next season. He is too good not to. But where? I don’t know. Arteta has to work that one out. Forget the metrics, we can win The point being that Kiwior, Skelly and Nwaneri are here now. They will play their part in fighting PSG and any advancement in the Champions League. If we win it, they will make their case for next season. Of the three, Kiwior is the most vulnerable. The other two are in, for sure. I don’t think there are better players out there to be bought. The wily old fox or the young cub? So what do we have? The key is Arteta against the wily old fox Enrique. Last time out he was up against the wiliest old fox in football, Ancelotti, and came through with flying colours. They have never beaten us and that must continue. Two draws and a penalty shootout? Oh, very tough on all our hearts. What we need are the performances against Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon. It is this head to head that matters, not the history. Perform to our best and we are through. I am convinced of that. C’mon the Arse!