Rooney Slams Arsenal Midfield Trio Following PSG Setback

Wayne Rooney critiqued Arsenal’s performance, focussing on the midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, and Martin. Arsenal lost 1-0 against Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Rooney blamed their inconsistent pressing for the Gunners’ loss.

“The Arsenal midfield three were scattered. They were pressing the ball at every moment and leaving huge gaps, like the opening goal. In his post-match analysis, Rooney stated PSG will punish you.

To keep fit, let PSG have the ball. “PSG suits chaotic pressing better than Arsenal,” he said. The 39-year-old also criticised the Emirates’ atmosphere, contrasting it with Arsenal’s quarter-final win over Real Madrid.

“I wasn’t happy with Arsenal’s performance or the fans. Amazing fans pushed the team against Real Madrid. He said it felt subdued tonight.

An anti-climax. After defeating Madrid, they likely felt they were in the final. He continued, “The players need support, and tonight was poor on and off the pitch.”

In the second leg in Paris, the Gunners must perform well to keep their Champions League ambitions alive.