Arsenal will have expected a much sterner challenge than they received on Tuesday night as they strolled to a routine 2-0 victory over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The French side, who reached the semi-final of the competition last season, were no match for the dominant Gunners, propelled to victory by first-half goals from in-form duo Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
It was a first win of the season for 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 earn victory.
Here were Arsenal’s best players in their 2-0 win over PSG according to 90min‘s player ratings.
Bukayo Saka: 8/10
Saka’s battle up against Nuno Mendes, PSG’s speedy left-back, was an enjoyable watch for both neutral and Arsenal supporters. The dynamic Englishman drove at him repeatedly during the first half, often getting the better of him with a quick jink inside.
Saka won nine of his duels across the pitch, earning two fouls and completing three dribbles. He also had more touches in the opposition 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 – he offered glimpses of the directness and raw speed that makes him so dangerous.
Of course, the Arsenal skipper for the evening also left the Emirates with a goal to his name, albeit not a particularly memorable one. It was Saka’s teasing near-post delivery that flew all the way beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma, securing a two-goal cushion that rarely looked under threat as the game progressed.
Honourable mentions
Kai Havertz: 8/10
To be perfectly honest, Havertz could have easily scooped the player of the match award. The German, who scored for a sixth successive match at the Emirates, was at the heart of Arsenal’s best moments, netting 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 typically graceful dropping into a deeper position when required. Off the ball, he was insatiable, too.
Who needs a ‘proper’ number nine now, eh?
Leandro Trossard: 8/10
Since his sending off against Manchester City, Trossard has proved his immense worth to this Arsenal side. Forcing the winner at the weekend against Leicester City, the Belgian was once again decisive in the final third against PSG.
It was Trossard’s driving run and exquisite cross that helped Arsenal take the lead, with the diminutive forward featuring as an attacking midfielder to help replace some of Martin Odegaard’s missing ingenuity. He did a fine job in mimicking the Norwegian.
