Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has handed Arsenal a significant boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, pointing to a crucial scheduling advantage for the Gunners.
Speaking on TNT Sports after Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid, Cole praised Mikel Arteta’s side but noted that their preparation edge could be decisive in the two-legged tie, set for April 29 at the Emirates and May 7 at Parc des Princes.
Cole emphasised Arsenal’s favourable fixture list. The Gunners benefit from a rearranged Premier League schedule, with their match against Crystal Palace moved to April 23 due to Palace’s FA Cup semi-final. This leaves Arsenal with six or seven days to prepare for the first leg, playing only two matches beforehand.
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In contrast, PSG face a grueling three games in six days, including a Ligue 1 clash against Nice on April 25, just four days before facing Arsenal. “This quick turnaround will stretch PSG to their limits,” Cole noted, suggesting Arsenal’s fresher squad could exploit this.
Despite PSG’s formidable attack, led by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and their 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa, Cole believes Arsenal’s focus—unburdened by a Premier League title race—gives them a mental edge.
“The club is in a fantastic place,” he said. Arsenal’s 2-0 group-stage win over PSG in October, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, further bolsters confidence, though Cole acknowledged the semi-final will be a very different game.
Fans on X, like @ArsenalBuzz, echoed Cole’s optimism, tweeting, “Rest advantage + Saka’s form = PSG in trouble!” While PSG’s midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabian Ruiz poses a threat, Arsenal’s defensive solidity, led by William Saliba, and Arteta’s tactical nous make them favourites.
Cole’s verdict underscores Arsenal’s golden opportunity to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
