What a time to be an Arsenal fan right now as Arteta’s men keep overcoming tough challenges day by day. It was always a question about how the Gunners’ will deal with an attacking team like Paris-Saint Germain.
However, the north London side passed the test with flying colours and showed their mettle to delight the home crowd with a 2-0 victory.
Kai Havertz scored once again with a superb header, winning the duel against PSG keeper Donnarumma. Arsenal’s starboy Bukayo Saka doubled their lead with a free-kick that went through a crowd of bodies inside the box, past a poorly positioned Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal kept their cool and held on to keep a massive cleansheet. This year’s format is challenging, and every goal being scored and conceded will matter in the end. Mikel Arteta deployed a solid mid-block lineup, which looked very compact throughout ninety minutes.
The Gunners’ were physically more superior to their opponents on the night. The way Arsenal’s backline held their ground, they are by far one of the best defenses in Europe. Limiting a team like PSG to an xG of 0.40 is not a child’s play at all.
PSG’s best chance came when Nuno Medes’ shot brushed past the post. Other than that, the Ligue1 champions were totally nerfed on the pitch. The French club still have not beaten the Gunners’ when they’ve faced each other five times.
Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber completely “cooked” the likes of Hakimi and Barcola on the wing. The French side dictated the possession but without any output. In simple terms, the Gunners’ did their homework, the Parisiens didn’t.
Arsenal Player Ratings and Analysis against PSG
The Gunners’ Goalkeeper and Defense
David Raya (7.5/10)
The Spaniard wasn’t tested enough throughout the game, but was excellent dealing with the aerial duels and crosses. Superb on the ball, and his vision is admirable.
Jurrien Timber (8.5/10)
Massive performance from the Dutch international in such a pressure situation. He completely nerfed Barcola on the wing. However, we hope his injury is nothing serious as he was subbed off during half time.
William Saliba (9/10)
Every day he’s proving why he’s known as a “Rolce Royce” defender. He was dominating the duels against the PSG players and he made his aura felt. Brilliant performance.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10)
Backed by his partner in crime, Saliba he was also almost flawless throughout the game. Solid performance at the back.
Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10)
Solid performance from the new signing. He oozes confidence whenever he’s on the ball. He often made runs in behind as a number ten and was mobile throughout the game. His constant energy is praiseworthy.
The Gunners’ Midfield
Thomas Partey (8/10)
Another excellent outing from the former Atletico Madrid midfielder. Helped the backline keep their shape and won duels in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice (7.5/10)
He was trying to make things happen when he had possession of the ball. Defensively solid, did his job perfectly.
The Gunners’ Attack
Bukayo Saka (8.5/10)
Arsenal’s starboy stole the show yet again with his fantastic dribbling and runs down the wing. He was a constant threat to Nuno Mendes. His goal was lucky, but he deserved it.
Leandro Trossard (9/10) POTM*
In Odegaard’s absence he took the role of creating chances and be the heart of the team. Gave a brilliant cross to Havertz for the first goal after dribbling past several players. Superb performance from the Belgian.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10)
A quiet evening from the Brazilian, could’ve buried his chance when he shot it straight at the goalkeeper.
Kai Havertz (8.5/10)
His aerial superiority caused troubles to the PSG defenders and he constantly made runs into the box making it difficult to track him. He looks like a man on a mission at Arsenal.
Substitutes:
Jakub Kiwior (8/10)
Brought on in the second half to replace, Timber and he didn’t disappoint. Dealt with Barcola brilliantly and made many key interceptions to keep PSG at bay.
Mikel Merino (7/10)
He made his debut for the Gunners’ in the Champions league and was cheered on when he came on. Solid defensively, did his job in the final thirty minutes.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10)
The former Man City striker didn’t get much service from the midfield, as the Gunners’ pegged back as the game progressed. He pressed the PSG centre-backs with diligently and contributed defensively.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A)
The youngster was brought on during the injury time and didn’t get the ball much to showcase anything.
Manager “Trust the Process”
Mikel Arteta (8/10)
Mikel Arteta knows the capabilities of his players and knows exactly how to bring out the best from them. This is a tactical masterclass from the 42-year old. Deploying a mid-block and staying compact, he knew the Gunners’ had chances to beat the opposition.
He set up his team to play pragmatic football and earn the points. His team didn’t let him down, brilliant performance from the players too. His new signings match his profile and have fit brilliantly to this new atmosphere.
Arteta has done a brilliant job at the club, simply sensational! The Gunners’ have just beaten one of the strongest sides in Europe and the fans are feeling casual about it. This is the miracle Arteta has done.
The Spaniard praised the teams effort at Arsenal’s press conference and claims that this win is be a key moment in this season. He says;
“I think it raises the confidence and belief that we can compete with any team at that level in European competitions, with the style of games that are very different to the Premier League. I think we showed a lot of maturity in the way we played and we put our stamp on the way that we want to behave in Europe against top teams and I really like that.”
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