Unai Emery has already told Arsenal how to beat PSG in Champions League semi-final

Arsenal will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final after seeing off Real Madrid with two confident performances in the quarter-final.

Mikel Arteta’s side took a 3-0 win into the second leg against the Galacticos and then followed up with a confident 2-1 victory, which never saw the hosts come close to completing a dream comeback.

PSG overcame Aston Villa over two legs of Champions League quarter final action this month on their quest to win the tournament for the first ever time. The French giants made the final in 2020, but were beaten by Bayern Munich, and have made the semi finals four times since 1995.

Luis Enrique’s side were favourites going into the tie with the Villains, Unai Emery’s team in the tournament for the first time ever, but were given a scare by the Premier League outfit. PSG won the first leg at the Parc des Princes 3-1 but were then beaten 3-2 at Villa Park - progressing on an aggregate score of 5-4.

Unai Emery proud of Aston Villa press against PSG

Former Arsenal manager Emery clearly knows what it takes to beat PSG and his press conference words can provide inspiration for Arsenal. Speaking after beating PSG in the Midlands, the Villa head coach hinted that the French side struggle when being pressed.

He said: "We played two matches. The first leg we did the plan we prepared and competed fantastic. In that moment, the second and third goal didn’t change a lot [the tie]. We were so, so proud of the work there, but still we had to do one step forward to get a good result.

"Today we had the opportunity to come back. We were speaking about that to get two goals, it is not a lot. A small gap. Sometimes it is big. Today it was sometimes a big gap, but we competed fantastic. As well, it was good because the players followed the game plan being consistent. At 3-2, when they were suffering against us and the press, it is the moment when we were missing the last minute in Paris.

"As well, today, after the 3-2, the last 20 minutes I think we were missing a little bit to push them and get the result back. We can feel happy, we can feel proud. We can also feel comfortable about the work we achieved. They showed the next level, but we can still be proud of the way we did in the Champions League.”

Emery clues can inspire Arsenal to victory over PSG

Emery’s words hint at a need for more clinical finishing from his Villa side, which could come as somewhat of a worry for Arsenal. The Gunners have been wasteful in front of goals at time this season, not helped by injuries to strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Giving his verdict on how strong the PSG side is, Emery said: "Yes of course, now they are favourites and they are in the semi-final against Arsenal or Real Madrid. But now they are facing and competing in this level, clearly being contenders to win this trophy. Of course, then it’s Barcelona, Inter Milan or Bayern Munich.

"This level is really fantastic to play in. I really like a lot to play in this league and face them and how we can respond. But, of course, PSG they have some advantage to us and they showed us in two legs. We were close to beating them but as well they played and competed fantastic. They will be a favourite contender to win this trophy."

Outlining his gameplan ahead of beating PSG at Villa Park, Emery dropped a clue that Arsenal should persist with a tactical plan rather than reacting to anything that Enrique can throw at them off the cuff.

Emery said: "We played how we wanted to at Paris St-Germain but the result obviously wasn't what we hoped for. If we are winning, we can be close. Our objective is to play with one strong plan in our tactical way tomorrow and try to be consistent and try to understand how the match is going in 90 minutes.

"When we were winning at Club Brugge also, we were ready to play extra time. Our plan is the same that if we are getting extra time, that's good and if we are getting a penalty shootout, that's fantastic as well."

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