Arsenal submerged Paris Saint Germain under the floodlights at the Emirates following a mature and confident performance.
Kai Havertz Took Arsenal Into The Lead
The Gunners scored the opening goal of the affair in the 20th minute, as Kai Havertz connected to an inviting cross delivered into the box by Leandro Trossard.
Havertz’s headed goal was his 8th goal contribution for Arsenal in his last 6 appearances at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz netted a brace against his former side, Chelsea, to begin this run before also scoring against Everton last season.
Additionally, the Germany international secured a goal and assist in Arsenal’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers in their beginning game of the new campaign.
Havertz also registered a goal in subsequent home games against Brighton and Leicester City.
Bukayo Saka Extended Arsenal’s Lead With A Sublime Free Kick
Bukayo Saka doubled the lead for the North London side in the 35th minute, with the England international curling a brilliant effort past Paris Saint Germain goalie Gianluigi Donnaruma.
The direct free-kick goal took Saka’s tally in the 2024/25 season to 2 goals and 5 assists in 9 matches this campaign.
Only Harry Kane (16) and Vinicius Junior (10) have been involved in more UCL goals since the start of last season than Bukayo Saka (9).
Bukayo Saka’s home record in the competition is also amazing, as he has scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 6 matches.
Cumulatively, Saka, who also captained the Gunners against PSG, has now scored 60 goals and provided 58 assists in 235 matches for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka’s free-kick goal was also a testament to the threat Arsenal do possess via set-piece.
The Performance Of Arsenal Against Paris Saint Germain
Mikel Arteta’s side put up a mature display against Paris Saint Germain, as they knew what they wanted and went for it in the best way possible, even in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners were effective in the clash, as 5 of their 6 efforts in the encounter were on target, a complete contrast to that of PSG, who had only 2 out of their 9 shots on target.
It appears Arsenal have opted to be more reserved in significant matches in the 2024/25 season, allowing their opposition to own much possession of the ball.
This tactical move by Mikel Arteta looks to be paying off, as it helped them secure their first win of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Mikel Merino Arsenal Debut
Mikel Merino was a second-half substitute for the Gunners, with the Spaniard replacing Thomas Partey for his Arsenal debut.
Merino put up an impressive display in the midfield of the Gunners as he accentuated his brilliance against the Parisians, who witnessed two of their goal attempts strike the upright.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity was also on parade, as they shut out and impressively answered the questions posed by the visitors.
Arsenal End PSG’s Scoring Streak
Paris Saint Germain had scored in their previous 51 consecutive games in the UEFA Champions League Group, but that run was thwarted by a resolute Arsenal side.
The Gunners victory over Luis Enrique’s side also meant that unbeaten run of PSG across all competitions has ended.
Arsenal And Paris Saint Germain In The UEFA Champions League
Before their latest result, Arsenal started their 2024/25 Champions League journey with a draw against Atlanta, while Paris Saint Germain picked up a 1-0 win over Girona.
Mikel Arteta’s side ascended to 8th on the UEFA Champions League table, while Paris Saint Germain dropped to 18th on the log.
What Next For Both Clubs
The Gunners trade tackle with Southampton on October 5, 2024, in a matchday 7 Premier League action, while PSG battle Nice on October 6, 2024, in a matchday 7 Ligue 1 affair.
