Only best version’ can take Arsenal forward in Paris

Ahead of a night that means everything for Arsenal, Declan Rice duly gave all of the lines you would want for such an occasion.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

The midfielder talked of how Arsenal “need to have big balls”, adding they are in Paris “to make a statement” and have “full belief” in creating “a special night”.

Rice speaks with an almost religious fervour in such situations, which is probably required. So far so good, until his manager came in. “Let’s not do the talking,” Mikel Arteta said. “Let’s do tomorrow on that pitch. So the best, best, best, best version and win the game.”

There is at least “full clarity” to the situation, as the manager put it. Arsenal need to beat Paris Saint-Germain to get into the Champions League final. Arteta played up to how special it could be, as he insisted on describing it as “one of the most beautiful” games in his time at Arsenal, rather than the biggest.

“Huge enthusiasm, huge energy,” he said. “We are a win away from the Champions League final and in the most beautiful city in the world, against a great opponent. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

It’s a pointed psychological ploy, especially with the way Arteta repeated that line, given that many outside the club are only too willing to focus on the negatives. This is now Arsenal’s entire season. If they don’t win, the campaign will be cast as a backwards step, deepening the argument that they are a “nearly team”. Arteta did seem to be almost referencing this himself with his line about not doing “the talking”.

This is the moment to win. That’s also where it gets difficult. Arsenal are playing away to one of the best teams in Europe, who lead 1-0 from the first leg, after a commanding opening half hour in north London.