Arsenal secured a statement 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Round 2 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 1.
Arsenal made a strong start to the game as they looked to take the early advantage but PSG had the ball for extended spells in the early exchanges. The visitors also made good of this possession as they released their full backs into spaces behind the hosts’ backline. This strategy favoured the Parisians’ wing backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, but neither were able to score despite decent attempts.
Shortly after, Leandro Trossard’s perfectly weighted cross found Kai Havertz in the box unmarked, with the German nodding in a straightforward goal to make it 1-0. Arsenal kept going at PSG as they looked to turn the tide in terms of possession, and that shift in momentum happened after the second goal. Bukayo Saka’s delivery from a free kick bounced just in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Italian custodian was bewildered as he let in a second.
The hosts carried a deserved 2-0 lead into the break.
The second half saw Arsenal take a much more pragmatic approach to the proceedings as they sat back and were content to defend their two-goal cushion. PSG, on the other hand, made two changes and were lucky to not concede a third or fourth goal despite the Emirates Stadium backing them.
Arsenal, too, had their fair share of chances in the second half but fired all three of their shots straight at the goalkeeper. Despite that, they held on and secured a 2-0 win. Let’s take a look at the player ratings from this match.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs PSG:
Goalkeeper
David Raya – 7/10
Raya was called upon to make two simple saves and kept a clean sheet.
Defenders
Jurrien Timber – 7/10
Timber played for the entire first half won five duels and made one interception.
William Saliba – 7/10
Saliba won four of his five duels and also made one clearance and one tackle.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7/10
Gabriel was solid at the back as usual as he won three duels and made four clearances and one block.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7.5/10
Calafiori was the Gunners’ best defender on the night and won six duels, making four clearances and four tackles, as well as one interception.
Midfielders
Bukayo Saka – 7.5/10
Saka scored an arguably lucky goal in the first half as his free kick crept into the goal. He won nine duels, completed one key pass and also three dribbles.
Thomas Partey – 7/10
He passed the ball with 93% accuracy in a composed midfield display.
Declan Rice – 7/10
Rice passed the ball with 91% accuracy and also won four duels.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10
Martinelli had a decent game as he attempted only one key pass, two dribbles, and a dog.
Forwards
Leandro Trossard – 7.5/10
Trossard was electric in the first half, showing some good footwork and also assisting the opening goal. He also played one key pass and won six duels.
Kai Havertz – 8/10
Havertz showed his aerial dominance as he leaped higher than Donnarumma to score his team’s first goal. He also played a huge role off the ball as he won 10 duels.
Substitutes
Jakub Kiwior – 7/10
The Pole had a good game after coming on at half-time and was solid at the back.
Mikel Merino – 6.5/10
Merino made his Arsenal debut against PSG but could not make an impact on the proceedings.
Gabriel Jesus – 7/10
He came on late in the game and did not make the desired impact.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – N/A
He came on late in the game and did not play enough minutes for a rating.
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 8/10
The Spaniard’s team produced one of their best-ever performances in his tenure as they secured a good win.
ALSO READ: Inter Milan vs Crvena Zvezda Player Ratings as the Italians thrash the visitors
PSG Player Ratings vs Arsenal:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6/10
Donnarumma did not seem 100% and had a poor game, including an error in conceding his team’s second goal.
DefendersAchraf Hakimi – 7/10
Hakimi looked sharp and often made darting runs into wide spaces to try and get around Arsenal’s defensive lines, but was largely unsuccessful.
Marquinhos – 6.5/10
The Parisians’ skipper had a decent game but was unfortunately on the losing team.
Willian Pacho – 6.5/10
Pacho played a decent game but was not tested enough.
Nuno Mendes – 6.5/10
Mendes also played CB at some time but largely flopped as a wingback.
Midfielders
Warren Zaire-Emery – 7/10
He passed the ball with 92% accuracy, including one key pass and two accurate crosses. He also won five duels.
Vitinha – 7/10
He had an eventful game in midfield as he passed the ball with 94% accuracy, including three long balls. He also won three duels.
Joao Neves – 7.5/10
Neves passed the ball with 92% accuracy, including one key pass and a staggering eight long balls. He also won eight duels.
Forwards
Desire Doue – 6/10
He had a poor game overall.
Kang-in Lee – 7.5/10
Lee passed the ball with 96% accuracy, including five key passes, three crosses, and scope.
Bradley Barcola – 6.5/10
Barcola had a subpar outing and missed multiple chances.
Substitutes
Fabian Ruiz – 6.5/10
The Spaniard came on in place of Vitinha but did not make an impact on the game.
Randal Kolo Muani – 6.5/10
Kolo Muani came on shortly after the hour mark but failed to make an impact.
Manager
Luis Enrique – 6/10
He made a few hasty decisions in the match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What was the result of Arsenal vs PSG?
A. Arsenal defeated PSG 2-0.
Q. When was Arsenal vs PSG?
A. The game kicked off at 7:00 PM GMT on October 1.
Q. Who was the man of the match in Arsenal vs PSG?
A. Kai Havertz (Arsenal) was the man of the match.
Q. Who was the worst performer in Arsenal vs PSG?
Desire Doue (PSG) was the worst performer.