Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, with midfielder Thomas Partey forced to watch from the sidelines due to suspension.
The Ghana international was handed a one-match ban after accumulating two yellow cards during Arsenal’s dramatic quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.
In his absence, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino was selected to fill the void in Mikel Arteta’s lineup.
Partey, who has been a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield throughout the campaign, was present at the stadium to support his teammates despite not being eligible to play.
Cameras captured the former Atlético Madrid player in the stands, his expression revealing disappointment as he witnessed the Gunners struggle against the French champions.
The match proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating limited clear-cut chances.
However, it was PSG who seized their moment, converting the game’s only goal to secure a valuable advantage heading into the second leg.
Partey’s absence was noticeably felt in midfield, where Arsenal missed his defensive stability and ability to dictate the tempo.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remain in contention, with a return leg still to come in Paris.
The tie is far from over, and Partey is expected to return to the squad for the decisive clash at the Parc des Princes next week.
Arsenal-PSG (0-1) match aller demi-finale Champions League @Thomaspartey22 a manqué aux Gunners pic.twitter.com/kMtMG3UAoL
— Elmut Cassidy PINTO (@elmut_pinto) April 29, 2025
With a place in the Champions League final at stake, the Gunners will need a composed and commanding performance to overturn the deficit.
Partey’s reaction from the stands reflected the high stakes of the occasion and his eagerness to contribute.
The midfielder will have his chance to make an impact in the second leg as Arsenal look to bounce back and keep their European ambitions alive.
The second leg promises to be a compelling encounter, with Arsenal determined to respond and PSG aiming to protect their slim lead.
For Partey, it represents not only a chance at redemption but a vital opportunity to help steer his club toward one of the most prestigious stages in European football.
