The Gunners face a tough task in Paris but Rio Ferdinand believes their mindset will be key if they are to reach the Champions League final.
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Ferdinand reveals Arsenal 'mentality' will be keyGunners lost first leg 1-0 in north LondonFormer defender reveals why PSG worry himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Rio Ferdinand has offered his thoughts on Arsenal's Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, emphasising the importance of the Gunners' mindset and mentality as they bid to overturn a 1-0 defeat from the first leg.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mikel Arteta's team will need to overcome a 1-0 deficit as well as a partisan atmosphere at Parc des Princes to reach the final after Tuesday's defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Ferdinand highlighted the tactical challenges Arsenal face but believes their defensive organisation and the presence of star winger Bukayo Saka as a match-winner give them a chance.
WHAT FERDINAND SAID
Speaking on Rio Reacts, Ferdinand said: "I don't think it's about ability with Arsenal at this stage. I think it's about mindset. I think it's about mentality in this game. It's about belief. It's about going into that game and saying 'we are meant to be here. We are going to get ourselves to that final and we're going to show a way of playing that might not be what we're used to seeing with Arsenal, but it's going to be hard'.
"It's going to be ugly. It's going to be gritty. And they're going to find a way. In Saka they have a match winner who can turn a game on its head on a sixpence.
"My biggest concern for Arsenal is that without a centre forward, this Paris Saint-Germain team can go man-to-man, one-v-one at the back and be comfortable, fairly comfortable, which means they have numbers further up the pitch to outnumber this Arsenal team and and really suffocate them and keep them back."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
While Arsenal must prepare for a challenging second leg in Paris as they look to overcome a 1-0 deficit, they must first face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday as they look to wrap up second place in England's top flight.