Bukayo Saka has disclosed what he observed during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain that could provide the Gunners with an advantage in the return fixture at the Parc des Princes next Wednesday.

The Gunners’ talisman experienced a relatively subdued evening at the Emirates Stadium, while Ousmane Dembélé—who may be ruled out of the second leg due to injury—scored the only goal of the match. Despite failing to find the net and now requiring a positive result in France, Saka has maintained that he and his teammates remain composed.

“It’s important to stay calm,” he told Sky Sports. “Obviously, we know we have another level to reach, and I believe we’ll demonstrate that in Paris. I’m confident we can turn it around.”

Reflecting on his own performance, Saka added: “It was difficult to find space. They crowded me and defended well. I’m now focusing on identifying the spaces I can exploit in the second leg.”

Arsenal had previously defeated PSG in early October, and although there were only two changes to the starting line-ups, they proved to be significant.

Neither Dembélé, who was sidelined due to a disciplinary issue, nor Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was still at Napoli at the time, featured in that encounter. This time, the pair combined to produce the decisive goal earlier this week, and Saka was full of admiration for their performance.

Asked whether PSG were the strongest team Arsenal have faced this season, he replied: “I would say so, probably. They have a good manager and some top-quality players. There’s a lot of threat in their attack. Even in midfield, they retain possession very well and force you to chase the ball—which no one enjoys.”

PSG’s defensive prowess has also been pivotal to their European success, and Saka now has a greater appreciation for just how formidable Nuno Mendes can be.

“He’s a top full-back—very quick as well,” Saka said when asked about the Portuguese international. “I always relish those battles and I’m looking forward to facing him again next week.”

Despite the narrow defeat, the atmosphere within the Arsenal dressing room remains optimistic and composed.

Asked about the team’s response to the loss, Saka said: “We were calm. Of course, we were slightly frustrated and disappointed in ourselves, but as I mentioned, the most important thing is to remain calm—it’s far from over.”