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PSG coach Luis Enrique reveals ONE reason he’s now scared of playing against Arsenal

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Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has admitted that facing Arsenal in the Champions League is one of his biggest fears right now — and after watching Mikel Arteta’s men demolish Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates, it’s easy to see why.

Arsenal produced one of their finest European performances in recent years, turning what was expected to be a tight contest into a display of dominance, flair, and sheer power. The Gunners were ruthless, particularly in the second half, as they ripped apart Diego Simeone’s well-drilled Atletico Madrid.

The first few minutes were electric. Eberechi Eze’s curling effort deflected onto the crossbar, and Declan Rice almost followed up with a thunderous rebound. Arsenal looked sharp and aggressive, with Myles Lewis-Skelly showcasing his growing confidence with every touch. The Emirates crowd sensed something special brewing, even though Atletico initially held firm.

Atletico Madrid, known for their compact defense, tried to soak up the pressure and hit on the counter. A nervous moment came when David Raya misjudged a loose ball and nearly gifted Julian Alvarez an opener, but the Argentine’s strike whisked just wide. It was a warning sign — one that Arsenal would soon respond to in devastating fashion.

Gabriel Martinelli thought he had given Arsenal the lead after a slick move involving Bukayo Saka, but the goal was ruled offside. Still, Arsenal kept pushing. Arteta’s men looked relentless in possession, and when Alvarez struck the bar early in the second half, it felt like a turning point. Moments later, Arsenal found their breakthrough — though it came in slightly controversial fashion.

A soft free kick was awarded just outside the box after Martinelli went down under minimal contact. But if Atletico were frustrated, they only had themselves to blame for what followed. Declan Rice whipped in a pin-point delivery, and Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to head home from close range. The Emirates erupted. Arsenal were 1-0 up and fully in control.

From that moment, the Gunners never looked back. Seven minutes later, young Myles Lewis-Skelly produced a moment of brilliance that had even Arteta applauding on the touchline. Bursting through the midfield like a seasoned pro, the teenager drove forward and slipped a perfect pass into the path of Martinelli. The Brazilian made no mistake, curling the ball first-time past Jan Oblak for 2-0.

As Arsenal fans celebrated, Viktor Gyökeres — who had been under pressure after going seven games without a goal — finally found his moment. His scrappy finish through the legs of the defender wasn’t pretty, but it was priceless. The Swede’s reaction said it all — relief, joy, and a fire reignited. The Emirates crowd roared as he doubled his tally minutes later, bundling in another from close range after Gabriel’s headed assist from a Declan Rice corner.

Four goals in 13 minutes. That was all it took for Arsenal to completely dismantle Atletico Madrid. Simeone could only sit on the sidelines, stunned and defeated. His side, usually so organized and defiant, had no answer to Arsenal’s energy, movement, and precision. It was the kind of statement win that resonates across Europe — and it clearly caught Luis Enrique’s attention.

Speaking after the match, the PSG coach reportedly admitted that Arsenal’s intensity and tactical maturity now make them “one of the scariest teams in Europe.” Enrique, who has faced some of the best sides during his managerial career, confessed that Arteta’s side remind him of his own peak Barcelona team — “relentless, dynamic, and fearless.”

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, was full of praise for his players, especially Gyökeres. “The work that he does for us, the way he opens up spaces and presses, is unbelievable,” said the Arsenal boss. “You could see how happy everyone was for him. He deserved those goals — they’ll give him confidence.”

Atletico manager Diego Simeone was gracious in defeat, admitting that Arsenal were “the best team we’ve faced this season.” The Argentine tactician highlighted Arsenal’s blend of youth, pace, and technical excellence as key factors that overwhelmed his side in the final half-hour.

For Arsenal, this victory marked their third consecutive Champions League win this season — all without conceding a single goal. The Emirates has truly become a fortress under Arteta, with Arsenal having now gone ten group-stage home games unbeaten since their return to Europe’s elite competition. The atmosphere, the belief, and the swagger all point to a team that is growing in both confidence and identity.

Luis Enrique’s words reflect a wider sentiment across the continent. Arsenal are no longer a young project full of potential — they are a European powerhouse in the making. Their performances have combined tactical intelligence with creative freedom, something that makes them unpredictable and incredibly hard to play against.

It’s no surprise, then, that even a manager of Enrique’s caliber admits a sense of apprehension. Facing this Arsenal side means facing a team that presses like Manchester City, attacks like peak Barcelona, and defends with the unity of Simeone’s own Atletico — a terrifying blend that few can match.

If this form continues, Arsenal won’t just be feared — they’ll be favorites. And for PSG, who could soon cross paths with Arteta’s side in the knockout stages, Luis Enrique’s fear may well turn into a harsh reality.

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