Arsenal would have expected a much tougher challenge than the one they received on Tuesday night as they cruised to a routine 2-0 win over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The French side, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, were no match for the dominant Gunners, who were powered to victory by first-half goals from in-form duo Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
It was the first win of the season arsenal in the Champions League after a goalless draw in their opener with Atalanta and the north London side rarely had to get out of second gear to claim victory.
These were Arsenal’s best players in their 2-0 win against PSG second 90 minutes‘s player ratings.
Bukayo Saka: 8/10
Saka’s battle with PSG’s speedy left-back Nuno Mendes was an enjoyable watch for both neutral and Arsenal supporters. The dynamic Englishman drove him repeatedly in the first half, often finding him with a quick move inside.
Saka won nine of his cross-court duels, winning two fouls and completing three dribbles. He also had more touches in the opposite box (7) than any of his teammates. While it was still not his most eye-catching display in an Arsenal shirt, there are simply too many to choose from, it did offer a glimpse of the rawness and raw speed that make him so dangerous.
Of course, Arsenal’s skipper for the night also left the Emirates with a goal to his name, albeit not a particularly memorable one. It was Saka’s taunt that flew past Gianluigi Donnarumma, securing a two-goal cushion that rarely looked threatened as the game wore on.
Honorable Mentions
Kai Havertz: 8/10
To be perfectly honest, Havertz could easily have won the player of the match award. The German, who scored for the sixth game in a row at the Emirates, was at the heart of Arsenal’s best moments, scoring a brave header that put Arsenal on the right track.
He looked comfortable leading the line and battling with Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, while also being stylish dropping into a deeper position when needed. Off the ball, he was also insatiable.
Who needs a “correct” new number now, eh?
Leandro Trossard: 8/10
Since his sending off against Manchester City, Trossard has proven his immense value to this Arsenal team. Having netted the winner at the weekend against Leicester City, the Belgian was decisive again in the final third against PSG.
It was Trossard’s running of the ball and an exquisite cross that helped Arsenal take the lead, with the diminutive striker acting as an attacking midfielder to help replace some of Martin Odegaard’s missing flair. He did a good job imitating the Norwegian.
