UCL Final: Arsenal Must Capitalise On Set-Plays To Overcome PSG –Merson

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advised the Gunners to capitalize on set plays if the team must overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday in Budapest as the Gunners aim to lift their first European title.

In a chat with The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Merson noted that Arsenal’s superior physical size and training in dead-ball situations are their biggest weapons against a French side that will struggle to defend corners and free-kicks.

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“I think they’ve got a chance, especially with the way they do set-plays. Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they’re a good team but they’re a small team.

“I think PSG will struggle with that. You’re talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.”

Merson also advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to play a “half-fit” Jurrien Timber, highlighting the defender’s importance to the squad.

“I think Jurrien Timber has to play. There’s talk that he will be fit.

“He’s got to play, even if he’s half-fit I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game.”

Asked whether he believes Arsenal are capable of beating PSG, Merson added: ‘Yeah I do, I do.

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‘Having that rest after winning the title was important, they didn’t have any of that nervous energy going into the final day.

‘I think they’ve got a chance, especially with the way they do set-plays. Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they’re a good team but they’re a small team.

‘I think PSG will struggle with that. You’re talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.’