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    Arsenal vs PSG LIVE RESULT: Dembele’s stunning early strike gives Parisians the advantage in Champions League semi-final

    PSG have beaten Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.Ousmane Dembele broke the deadlock after just four minutes with a stunning strike into the bottom right corner.Gianluigi Donnarumma made a huge save to deny Gabriel Martinelli at the end of the first-half as the Parisians went into the interval a goal to the good.After the break, Mikel Merino thought he had levelled the tie, but VAR ruled out the Spaniard’s goal for a marginal offside.Donnarumma was busy again just before the hour mark, getting down well to his right to prevent Leandro Trossard the equaliser.With minutes to go at the Emirates, Goncalo Ramos raced through on goal and struck the bar as Arsenal managed to escape going two down in the tie.The Gunners have it all to do in Paris next week as they look to progress to the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.Match result: Arsenal 0-1 PSGArsenal starting team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, MartinelliPSG starting team: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, KvaratskheliaBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from The Emirates with our live blog below…Mammoth tie awaits in ParisArseal’s season will all come down to a clash at the Parc des Princes against PSG next week.Their whole season rests upon it as their only chance of silverware.A goal down from the first-leg, they need to do the unthinkable and go and win in France.These are the moments that separate the best from the rest.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMikel always drawing positivesWhen doing his media duties after games, Arteta will always talk about what his side did well and rue how things did not go their way.He did that this evening when talking about how Merino was millimetres offside for their disallowed goal.As we saw on the graphic, he was off by half a yard.It is all well and good protecting your players from criticism as all good managers should, but behind the scenes he needs to identify their failings.Arsenal dominate possession in games but show no penetration in the final third for large portions of games.They cannot afford to do that at the Parc des Princes if they want to make this season’s final.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedYoungster struggles to deal with defenderBukayo Saka did not have the sort of impact he was hoping for this evening against PSG.Nuno Mendes did a similar job on Mohamed Salah when they played Liverpool in the competition over two-legs.The Arsenal winger will need to work with his coaches to see how he can one over the PSG defender when they travel to Paris.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSpaniard has bragging rights in capitalPSG boss Luis Enrique spoke about his side’s win at The Emirates:Well, I think emotions are that high it is difficult to analyse. I think we show what kind of team we are and we score the first goal in the first two or three minutes. It is still going to be a very tough match in Paris. That is the work of goalkeepers is it not, that is what they are to do. We need to prepare for the second match, it is going to be difficult. We have a small advantage but we have to play like we did today.Luis EnriquePSGCopy linkCopiedVisitors win all key battlesPSG came to the capital knowing that they needed to shutdown the supply of Arsenal’s key players.They did just that with Martin Odegaard.The Norwegian struggled to get the ball in key areas where he could hurt Luis Enrique’s side.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives view on performanceSpeaking with Amazon Prime after the game, Arteta gave his thought’s on the defeat in North London:We are disappointed with the result. We put so much into the game. I think after the goal we got better and better and better. Credit to them, they got the goal and were clinical. Sometimes you have to recognise the talent of the opposition. Trossard was millimetres offside and these are the fine margins. It is half-time and we have a big chance to make the final. Mikel ArtetaArsenalCopy linkCopiedGunners breaking unwanted recordsTonight’s defeat is Arsenal’s first at home in this season’s Champions League competition.However, the club have now gone six games without scoring a goal in a semi-final in this trophy.They will need to have a more attacking mindset when they travel to Paris and look to turn this tie around.Copy linkCopiedFrench champions get job doneSpeaking with Amazon Prime after the game, PSG’s midfield dynamo gave his thoughts:It was a great night. Most for the group, it was a very good performance for the team. We controlled the games with the ball, today we defended well, we attacked well. It was a very strong performance from us. We have to continue like this, it is not over. We have to play a good game in Paris now. We could have scored more as well but we are happy with the one-nil.VitinhaPSGCopy linkCopiedGunners disappointed in capitalYou could see from the reactions of the players that this was a bitter blow for Mikel Arteta’s side.After all the jubilation of their home win against Real Madrid, this was the complete other end of the spectrum.Defeats tell you more about your squad than wins and it will be interesting to see how The Gunners bounce back.Credit: EPACredit: PACredit: EPACopy linkCopiedRice off the boil in deep roleArsenal certainly missed the driving runs of Declan Rice from box to box this evening against PSG.Without Thomas Partey, he had to play in a much deep role, sitting in front of the back four.It impacted on their whole game with Odegaard not having that person to link up with in the final third.Copy linkCopiedFans fail to be the extra manAgainst Real Madrid, The Emirates was a cauldron of noise from start to finish, making for an intimidating atmosphere.That lasted all of four minutes today and resembled a North London library for far too much of the game.They will experience how the home fans can make a difference next week in Paris at the Parc des Princes.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTactics gives Gunners problemsGive credit where it is due to Luis Enrique, he out-thought his opposite number this evening.Despite the pack-house at The Emirates, they immediately took them out of the equation, grabbing an early goal to silence North London.Aside from a few half-chances, PSG looked comfortable for the majority of this match.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 0-1 PSGIt was not the night the Arsenal fans were hoping for tonight.They have it all to do when they visit Paris next week.Arteta’s side will certainly need to create more scoring opportunities.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett at The EmiratesIt is undoubtedly a disappointing night for Arsenal and PSG will be happy to take that one-goal lead back to the Parc des Princes next week.It will be interesting to hear what Mikel Arteta has to say about his team’s defending for Ousmane Dembele’s early goal.Although Mikel Merino had an effort disallowed for Arsenal it could have been worse as PSG subs Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos should both have scored near the end.It is not mission impossible for Arsenal in the second leg but nevertheless, they need to deliver something heroic.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 0-1 PSGThe referee brings the game to an end.It is a slender win for PSG in North London.Disappointment for The Gunners.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG90+4. Rice steals the ball off the toe of Vitinha.He fouls the midfielder but the referee plays advantage.Nwaneri plays it into the path of Martinelli, who sends his shot into orbit.They have have to contact Elon Mush to get that one back.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG90+2. Luis Enrique’s side are closing down the options.Arsenal end up passing it sideways or backwards.Raya ends up sending it downfield, more hit and hope stuff.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG90. Arsenal are just lacking that killer-pass in the final third.PSG will just look to defend what they have now.We are going to have five added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG88. It is all getting a little desperate for the hosts. Zaire-Emery replaces Joao Neves for PSG.Nwaneri looks like he is about to come on for Arsenal, replacing Odegaard.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG86. Ramos gets in behind the Gunners’ defence.The hosts are waiting for a flag that is never going to come.Fortunately the Portuguese striker’s toe-poked effort comes rattling off the crossbar with Raya beaten.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG84. What a chance for PSG to double their lead.Barcola is slotted through and only has the keeper to beat.His shot is poor as he drags it wide of the far post.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett at The EmiratesPSG’s fans continue to make a real noise in the corner and they have not stopped singing all night. There will be a few croaky voices back to Paris on the Eurostar tomorrow. Their team now seems to have setted for a one-goal win and are happy to sit back and soak up the Arsenal pressure although they still look dangerous on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG82. Stick or twist time now for The Gunners.That is the question, whether Arteta will look to get more players forward or not.White comes on for Timber for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG80. We are into the final ten minutes of the game.Time is running out for The Gunners to find a goal.This has been a second-half of very few chances.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 PSG78. Saka manages to bundle his way through two defenders.He gets a shot off but the keeper saves well at his near post.Then thhe flag goes up for offside to deny the hosts a corner.Copy linkCopied More

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    Arsenal 0 PSG 1: Ousmane Dembele stuns Emirates with early goal and leaves Gunners with mountain to climb in second leg

    MIKEL ARTETA was preaching fire and brimstone, urging Arsenal’s supporters to ‘bring their boots’. In response, they turned the Emirates into a seething cauldron of white noise and Arteta’s men worked their wotsits off with a workrate bordering on mania. Arsenal face a battle to save their Champions League dreamCredit: GettyPSG won the first leg of their semi-final tie 1-0 thanks to Ousmane DembeleCredit: EPAThe forward struck early to give the visitors victoryCredit: GettyMikel Arteta and his Gunners were left frustratedCredit: GettyAnd yet it wasn’t enough because none of that sound and fury is a substitute for class.Because here were a team of nearly men, operating without a striker, the best taking on the finest team in Europe, who won this semi-final first leg through an early Ousmane Dembele strike but could have won by more.  Paris St Germain have now defeated all four of the English clubs in this season’s Champions League and unless Arsenal can conjure a minor miracle in the Parc des Princes next Wednesday, Luis Enrique’s men will reach the final in Munich on May 31. At their best, as in the first half-hour of this semi-final first leg, PSG purr like Enrique’s Barcelona side which ruled Europe back in 2017. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal aren’t bottlers or chokers or any of those casual insults which are often tossed at them. They simply aren’t as good as PSG. Just as they aren’t as good as Liverpool. Just as they weren’t as good as Manchester City during the final two races. Even if their centre-forwards, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus had been fit and even if Gabriel had been able to partner William Saliba at the heart of defence.  Sure, Mikel Merino had an ‘equaliser’ ruled out for offside soon after half-time but PSG squandered two clear cut chances to kill them off late on. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis was a clash between the two most famous clubs in Europe never to have been European champions. For Arsenal, a first Champions League semi-final in 16 years. For PSG, a chance to add another English scalp to their list of Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.Arsene Wenger almost gets stuck in lift on return to Emirates for Arsenal vs PSGArteta, not usually one for press-conference soundbites, had Arsenal’made that order for Arsenal’s supporters to ‘bring your boots’. And there was something about the way the French champions had wilted at a raucous Villa Park a fortnight ago – when a 5-1 aggregate lead turned into a nervy 5-4 quarter-final win – which suggested they might be vulnerable in a hostile environment. Arteta was up on the big screen too before kick-off, urging his fans to demand every refereeing decision.Yet all of that fighting talk was rendered pretty meaningless after just three and a half minutes.Dembele needed just four minutes to put PSG aheadCredit: GettyArsenal’s lax defending will surely be cross-examined by ArtetaCredit: GettyDembele was granted the freedom of the Emirates to sprint forward from midfield, feed Khivicha Kvaratskhelia, then collect the Georgian winger’s cut-back to steer his shot in off the far post. Nobody had challenged PSG’s leading scorer as he ran forward and nobody had bothered to mark him when he scored. Didn’t they get the ‘bring your boots’ memo? Thomas Partey’s suspension meant Merino had to return to the day job in midfield after a successful stint as a false nine, with Leandro Trossard at centre-forward. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night…Arsenal thought they had equalised through Mikel MerinoCredit: ReutersHe was declared to be offside after a lengthy waitCredit: AMAZON PRIMEBut Trossard was swiftly booked for tripping Achraf Hakimi on the break. Paris were looking irresistible early on – the speed of their passing and movement was mesmeric, Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue were dribbling their hearts out. The unpronounceable Georgian was terrorising Jurrien Timber who survived a very decent penalty shout and then somehow avoided a booking for kicking the winger up in the air. Enrique’s side had been beaten here 2-0 in the group stage seven months ago but they have evolved considerably since then. Doue had a shot smartly saved by David Raya, with Fabian Ruiz striking the post with his follow-up only to be flagged offside. Arsenal spurned several glorious chances including one from Gabriel MartinelliCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard saw a fine shot well saved by Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: PAArsene Wenger, who never won a European trophy during more than two decades as Arsenal boss, was making a rare visit to the Emirates and he’d have approved of the visitors’ eye-candy football. The faithful were howling for a penalty when Merino was robbed by Joao Neves but it had been an excellent, clean saving tackle. There was an increased urgency about Arsenal in the ten minutes before half-time, exemplified by Martinelli making a crossfield dash to dispossess William Pacho, Saka then drifted left and centred but Martinelli was unable to stretch far enough to apply the finishing touch.Saka was booked for kicking the ball away, seething at being penalised for a soft foul on Nuno Mendes when he was almost clean through. And in injury-time, Myles Lewis-Skelly burst forward from midfield and fed Martinelli, whose shot was pushed out by Gianluigi Donnarumma.  PSG fans made themselves heard throughout the entire gameCredit: ReutersThey have one foot in the Champions League final, having already KO’d Liverpool and Aston VillaCredit: APJust 90 seconds into the second half, Arsenal thought they had equalised. Merino won the free-kick, Rice delivered it from the left and the Spaniard was able to net a simple header.Yet after a lengthy VAR check, when the robot linesman must have been having a fag break, Merino was ruled offside – perhaps the genius of set-piece coach Nico Jover is wearing off as a player should never be offside from a dead ball. The near-miss seemed to add extra fire to the Arsenal belly – Rice was soon marauding forward and feeding Trossard, whose angled shot was brilliantly tipped wide by Donnarumma.Read More on The SunLate on Bradley Barcola was clean through on goal but screwed his shot wide when he ought to have put the tie to bed. And Goncalo Ramos chipped against the bar as Arsenal threatened to subside. 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    Huge boost for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham’s Europa League opponents make embarrassing mistake

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been boosted by  Bodo/Glimt’s disciplinary cock-up.Norwegian media revealed Bodo captain Patrick Berg and midfield partner Hakon Evjen are banned for Thursday’s semi-final first-leg after the club misinterpreted Uefa rules on bookings.Tottenham have been handed a boost ahead of the first leg against Bobo/GlimtCredit: AFPThe Norwegians are going to be without several key playersCredit: RexYellow cards from earlier in the competition are wiped out AFTER the quarter-final stage.But Norway’s champions wrongly believed their players would avoid a one-match suspension even if they reached the three-booking threshold for a ban in the second leg of their last-eight tie against Lazio.Both Berg and Evjen received their third yellows of the tournament in the second half in Rome a fortnight ago.And Bodo/Glimt were stunned to learn they would have to travel to London without the key pair, as well as striker Andreas Helmersen, who was sent off in extra-time against the Italians. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJonas Bergh-Johnsen, a sports reporter for Viaplay, explained that a colleague broke the news to players after they had beaten Lazio 3-2 in a penalty shootout.He said: “The atmosphere in the dressing room kind of changed after the news from Viaplay that, ‘You’re going to miss a couple of your absolute key players in the first leg’.“I cannot understand how that is possible, that they thought they were allowed to have yellow cards in Rome.“The suspension does not disappear, that was the mistake that someone in the administration in Bodo made.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“You cannot get your head around that because in such a big club with a lot of people involved in all parts in sports and administration, someone should say, ‘Hey, this does not look right’.”On top of losing the three suspended players, Bodo/Glimt could also be without centre-back Odin Bjortuft against Ange Postecoglou’s side.Ange Postecoglou gives bleak update on Tottenham future even if he wins Europa League Bjortuft went off with a groin problem during the league win over KFUM on Sunday, a game that winger Ole Didrik Blomberg missed with an unknown injury.According to Bergh-Johnson, the Norwegians are now worried they will leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a fighting chance of reaching the final in Bilbao on May 21.He told the An Echo Of Glory podcast: “They were thinking maybe a 2-0, 3-1 defeat would be OK to go to Bodo/Glimt but now they are worried that it may be even worse.“Patrick Berg is so instrumental to everything they do and they don’t really have any proper back-ups.“Patrick is an ever-present in the team. So it’s really hard to get in there and to get any practice of playing that very vital role for  the team.” More

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    Man Utd in lucky escape as Ten Hag’s £34m former transfer target now worth just £8m with same league goals as Hojlund

    A FORMER Manchester United target who was wanted by Erik ten Hag has seen his price tag tumble this season.Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was at the top of Ten Hag’s wishlist last summer.Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has seen his price tag tumble this seasonCredit: GettyThe forward was a £34million target for ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag, who was sacked in October, targeted him in a £34million swoop after seeing Rasmus Hojlund struggle to make an impact in his debut campaign.But United chiefs instead opted to splash out on Joshua Zirzkee.And even though he has also struggled, it has now emerged that the Old Trafford faithful had a lucky escape.Brobbey is now valued at just £8m.- marking a mega drop of £24m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Voetbal Primeur claims it’s all down to Brobbey’s poor goal record this season.Last term, the eight-time Netherlands international bagged 22 goals for Ajax.But in the current campaign, he’s managed just four strikes in 27 league outings.That’s the same amount of Prem goals as Hojlund has this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, the Dane has still managed nine strikes in all competitions – one better than Brobbey’s return.United fans were quick to react as they hit out at Ten Hag.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd Brobbey has the same amount of league goals as Rasmus Hojlund this seasonCredit: GettyOne said: “Ten Hag was sort of destroying United, you can’t convince me otherwise.”Another declared: “I bet Ajax were made when he got sacked.”One noted: “Bro should go to jail for this.”Another added: “Maybe Ten Hag was a devil.” More

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    Barcelona ‘ready to grant Marcus Rashford’s transfer dream’ – but WON’T pay fee Aston Villa agreed with Man Utd

    MARCUS RASHFORD is a summer transfer target for Barcelona – but they’re not prepared to pay £40million.The Catalan giants are ready to grant the Manchester United forward his “dream move” to Spain. Marcus Rashford is a summer target for BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford, 27, is currently on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim.The England striker has netted 4 goals in 17 games since heading down the M6 in January. But his resurgence has been cut short by a niggling hamstring injury.The issue is not thought to require surgery but will end his season, with Rashford now set for talks with United over his future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVilla were given a £40m option to buy on Rashford when they signed him on loan four months ago.The iPaper now suggests Barcelona are ready to swoop in and offer the 27-year-old his “dream move”.But they will haggle over the fee and are “unwilling to pay the £40m price” agreed with Villa. Barcelona were interested in a loan deal for Rashford in January but struggled to accommodate his £325,000-a-week wages.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe report indicates the forward would be “willing to take a pay cut” to move to LaLiga.And Rashford is desperate to play for a club in the Champions League next season. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everA return to United looks less likely, with Amorim already sounding out replacements. Reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who has a £62.5million release clause.United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who can leave the Tractor Boys for £30m after their relegation to the Championship. United gaffer Amorim is certain that he made the right decision in letting Rashford and £86m flop Antony leave on loan in January.Speaking last week, Amorim said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.Read More on The Sun”And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.” More

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    Awkward moment Arsene Wenger almost gets trapped in lift on return to Emirates for Arsenal vs PSG

    ARSENE WENGER almost got trapped in a lift on his return to the Emirates Stadium.The legendary Arsenal boss made a rare appearance back in North London as his old side lost 1-0 to PSG in the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League semi-final.Arsene Wenger returned to the Emirates on Tuesday nightThe lift doors started closing on himWenger spotted an old familiar face behind the scenes at the EmiratesHe shared a hug with club photographer Stuart MacFarlaneBut as he arrived at the ground, he almost found himself in a spot of bother.The Frenchman, 75, rolled into his old office through the players’ entrance wearing a navy suit alongside his daughter Lea. He immediately waved to a familiar face before being directed towards a lift.But as Wenger walked in, he got distracted by seeing Arsenal club photographer Stuart MacFarlane.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd that meant the veteran manager did not see the elevator doors closing on him.Lea tried to put her hand in the way to stop the sliding doors to no avail.But thankfully, the lift automatically stopped when it detected Wenger’s shoulder in its path before the smiling former boss shook hands and hugged MacFarlane. One fan joked: “How can the lift just shut on Wenger?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWenger was later spotted chatting to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the Emirates posh seats.Fifa’s current Chief of Global Football Development took charge of 1,234 Arsenal matches between 1996 and 2018.Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGArsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night…He led the Gunners to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs.The closest he came to Champions League glory came in 2006 when Arsenal lost the final to Barcelona in Paris. Mikel Arteta is hoping to go one better in Munich next month.Arsenal dumped out Real Madrid in the quarters to set up the final-four showdown with PSG. But they suffered a nightmare start, though, as Ousmane Dembele turned in off the post with a superb first-time finish.And that proved the only goal of the first leg as VAR’s semi-automatic offside and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal for PSG both denied Arsenal an equaliser. Wenger was joined by his daughter LeaCredit: Amazon PrimeThe Frenchman took in the action from the posh seatsCredit: GettyWenger chatted to Keir Starmer at the EmiratesCredit: EPA More

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    Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands during their Champions League semi-final?

    ARSENAL are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in a massive Champions League semi-final at the Emirates.The huge game sees Mikel Arteta’s side face the recently-crowned Ligue 1 champions in the first leg of a mouth-watering clash between two of Europe’s best sides.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber seen wearing a black armband during the Champions League semi-final against PSGCredit: GettyBut it was a nightmare start for the Gunners as Ousmane Dembele scored inside the first four minutes to give PSG a vita opening goal.Dembele picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forward before passing out left to Kvicha Kvarataskhelia.The Georgian superstar then went at Jurrien Timber and cut back for Dembele – who rifled a bouncing shot past Arsenal keeper David Raya and into the far corner off the post.Read more Arsenal vs PSGIt was the Frenchman’s 30th goal of the season.Mikel Merino then had a goal ruled out for offside at the start of the second half.It came just moments after the Emirates stood in silence, while players from both sets of teams were also seen wearing black armbands.Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands?Both sets of players are wearing black armbands in honour of the late Pope Francis.Most read in Champions LeagueThe packed Emirates fell silent pre-match as everyone in the stadium remembered the pontiff.Pope Francis died aged 88 on April 21 after he had been hospitalised for a lengthy spell earlier this year.He had been suffering from bronchitis and double pneumonia.Uefa announced they would hold a minute’s silence, although their official statement did not confirm the players would be wearing armbands.A statement read: “Uefa will hold a moment of silence in memory of His Holiness the Pope Francis before the kick-off of this week’s Youth League and Women’s Champions League semi-finals as well as its men’s club competition semis taking place 29 April-1 May.”Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship. “A humanity that will now remain orphaned of that voice – tireless and powerful – that always rose in defence of the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable to call for respect, acceptance, and equality and to implore a peace that always seemed distant, yet ever more longed for by the heart of the world.” More

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    Declan Rice’s disgusted reaction spotted as Arsenal concede vs PSG minutes after his eight-word warning to team-mates

    ARSENAL star Declan Rice was far from impressed after his pre-match rallying call was not heeded by his team-mates.The Gunners fell behind just four minutes into their massive Champions League semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain and it proved to be the only goal of the game.A fuming Declan Rice was not impressed as Arsenal conceded after just 4 minutes against PSGCredit: Prime The Arsenal star could be seen shaking his head in disgustCredit: PrimeThe goal came just minutes after Rice had issued a message to his teammatesCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old had an eight-word warning for his troopsCredit: PrimeGunners boss Mikel Arteta had issued a battle cry before the contest for a febrile atmosphere at the Emirates.But fans were silenced minutes into the match as Ousmane Dembele smashed PSG into the lead.The French forward was left unmarked just inside the box to fire past Arsenal keeper David Raya and in off the post.It came just minutes after England star Rice had given his team-mates a vital warning.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking in a pre-match huddle on the Emirates pitch, he was heard saying: “If we don’t have the ball, we die.”As Dembele ran off to celebrate his opener, Rice’s reaction was shown on Amazon Prime cameras.The 26-year-old was seen shaking his head in apparent disgust. Prior to kick-off Rice – who scored two freekicks in a brilliant 3-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this month – was talked up by team-mate Raya.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe keeper claimed the former West Ham star is among the “best three midfielders in the world”.Raya said: “He’s got to be top three [midfielders] in the worldPSG fans take over streets ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final”He can do everything from playing as a No6 to an No8, defending or attacking.”And of course, he can take free kicks now!“He’s better this season than he was last year.”He’s still young but he’s definitely made the step to become a top player and a leader.” More