Arsenal secured their first win of the new-look UEFA Champions League with an assured 2-0 victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side were perhaps fortunate to earn a draw at Europa League holders Atalanta a fortnight ago, but showed why they are among the favourites to lift this tournament for the first time by enjoying a fairly dominant evening in North London.
They took the lead on 20 minutes when Kai Havertz rose bravely to head into the net from Leandro Trossard’s cross before a Bukayo Saka free-kick from out wide on 35 minutes managed to elude a packed box with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma somehow beaten at his near post.
Luis Enrique’s youthful Ligue 1 leaders, who edged Girona 1-0 a fortnight ago, passed the press well in the second half, but could not find a cutting edge to their play as Joao Neves saw an effort come back off the home bar on 68 minutes with home goalkeeper David Raya beaten.
Arsenal extend their unbeaten run over PSG in Europe to five matches, the French side’s longest winless run against any opponent in the competition.
The Gunners return to action with a home match against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, with PSG hosting PSV Eindhoven on the same evening.
Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka was handed the captain’s armband for his side’s first home match of the tournament, and rose to the occasion by leading from the front. Was a constant threat in the first period when Arsenal did all the heavy lifting on their way to a comfortable three points.
Talking Point – PSG found wanting in heat of battle
Luis Enrique’s side passed the ball well, but looked lightweight in comparison to an Arsenal team, with William Saliba and Gabriel inspired at the back, who outmuscled as well as outthought them.
Are the French champions serious contenders to lift the Champions League this season? On this showing, they will lack the nous and power to trouble the serious heavyweights when we get to the business end of the tournament.
Player Ratings
Arsenal: Raya 7, Timber 6, Saliba 8, Gabriel 8, Calafiori 7, Saka 8, Partey 7, Rice 7, Martinelli 7, Havertz 7, Trossard 7 Subs: Gabriel Jesus 6, Kiwior 6, Merino 6, Lewis-Skelly 6,
PSG: Donnarumma 6, Hakimi 7, Marquinhos 7, Pacho 6, Nuno Mendes 7, Zaire Emery 6, Vitinha 6, Neves 6, Doue 6, Lee6, Barcola 6 Subs: Fabian Ruiz 7, Muani 7
Match Highlights
9′ LOVELY EFFORT BY SAKA Brilliant effort by the England winger as he curls one just wide of Donnarumma’s bar after some intricate build-up work. Just what you have come to expect from Saka in an Arsenal shirt.
19′ A LOVELY LITTLE ARSENAL ATTACKING SURGE Havertz dancing to the byline inside the Paris box. Manages to get the cross beyond Donnarumma, but Achraf Hakimi is on hand to make the clearance. Excellent move.
20′ GOAL! (HAVERTZ) ARSENAL 1-0 PSG Lovely move by Arsenal. Can’t say that goal wasn’t coming as Kai Havertz gets in ahead of Donnarumma to nod into the net from the Leandro Trossard cross. Brave and brilliant from the Gunners. His fifth of the season.
35′ GOAL! (SAKA) ARSENAL 2-0 PSG Saka whips in a free-kick to the near post. Plenty of bodies follow the cross in, but did that get a touch? Looks like Saka’s goal. No matter. Donnarumma well beaten as ball just flew through traffic. Arsenal lead 2-0. Saka’s 60th Arsenal goal.
68′ A LOVELY LITTLE ARSENAL ATTACKING SURGE Havertz dancing to the byline inside the Paris box. Manages to get the cross beyond Donnarumma, but Achraf Hakimi is on hand to make the clearance. Excellent move.
Key Stat
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