It would be negligent to write about Arsenal beating a direct opponent without mentioning their most effective tool this season.
PSG have only conceded 29 goals in the league this season but six of them have come from non-penalty set-pieces. The size of their squad makes this an obvious area of weakness.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs lost to PSG in the Champions League earlier this season but managed to score three goals, one coming from a corner. They also lost on penalties against them in the Uefa Super Cup in August, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw from crossed free kicks.
Under Frank, Spurs adopted various Arteta-isms including making set-plays one of their main methods of breaking teams down.
For all three set-piece goals, Spurs targeted the back post before heading the ball back across goal, either for a teammate or directly to goal.
PSG appear uncomfortable dealing with crosses that float over their heads as they track back and the header back in the other direction goes against the direction they are moving in, giving the attacking side, who know where the ball will go, an advantage.
Arsenal are even better placed for that, so if they are able to get up the pitch in the first place, forcing corner kicks or winning free-kicks will produce good looks at goal.
While there is little that can be done about potential moments of brilliance, there are at least signs of hope that Arsenal can hurt the defending champions.
