Unai Emery Urges Arteta to Rethink Strategy Against Revitalized PSG
As Arsenal prepares for their crucial Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has offered a word of caution to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Drawing from his own recent encounter with the French giants, Emery emphasized that the PSG team Arsenal faced in the group stages is not the same formidable side they are set to meet now.
“Arteta should know that this is not the same PSG that they played in the group stage,” Emery stated. “This time around, if Arteta fails to use these tactics, I’m afraid they will go trophyless this season again. This was the same tactics that I used to defeat them at Villa Park, and I want Arteta to do the same this time around.”
Emery’s insights stem from Aston Villa’s recent Champions League quarter-final second-leg match against PSG at Villa Park. Despite a valiant effort and a 3-2 victory on the night, Villa narrowly missed out on progression, losing 5-4 on aggregate. The match showcased Emery’s tactical acumen, as his side managed to exploit PSG’s vulnerabilities and come close to overturning the deficit.
Central to Emery’s strategy was a high defensive line combined with a compact 4-4-2 formation. This approach aimed to congest the midfield, limiting PSG’s ability to play through the center and forcing them to the flanks. By pushing the backline up to the halfway mark, Villa effectively shrunk the playing area, making it challenging for PSG’s attackers to find space.
Another key element was the implementation of a “box midfield,” where players like John McGinn and Youri Tielemans operated in advanced central roles. This setup created numerical superiority in midfield, allowing Villa to dominate possession and transition quickly into attack.
Emery also emphasized the importance of a coordinated press. Villa’s forwards, Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby, initiated the press, supported by midfielders who anticipated passes and closed down spaces. This collective effort disrupted PSG’s build-up play and led to turnovers in dangerous areas.
For Arsenal, adopting a similar approach could be pivotal. Arteta’s side, known for their fluid attacking play, might benefit from Emery’s blueprint by focusing on midfield dominance and high pressing to unsettle PSG’s rhythm.
Emery’s final piece of advice underscores the stakes: “This time around, if Arteta fails to use these tactics, I’m afraid they will go trophyless this season again.”
As the semi-final approaches, all eyes will be on Arteta to see if he heeds Emery’s counsel and adjusts his strategy to counter a resurgent PSG.