A new-look PSG, shorn of their superstar cast of yesteryear but talented nonetheless, arrived at the Emirates with ambitions of pulling off a Champions League shock – but one England star in particular had other plans for the French titans.
It was a strong start from the hosts, who were 2-0 up by the break, in a game that saw plenty of battles and duels between both sets of players.
While many of the hosts’ key names stepped up to the plate on the night, however, one superstar had a night to forget in north London, where the Gunners laid down a statement performance.
A lot has been said about Mikel Arteta‘s record in the Champions League compared with his ever-improving resume domestically, but performances like Tuesday’s will have the rest of Europe’s elite looking on nervously.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was in attendance at the Emirates to reveal how the players on each got on.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Arsenal with a brave header past Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Gunners doubled their lead before the break with Bukayo Saka’s free-kick that evaded everyone in the middle
The Arsenal skipper grabbed his first Champions League goal of the season and his fifth in six Champions League games at the Emirates
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Fast out of his box when required and nearly played Gabriel Martinelli through on goal after a couple of minutes.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 7.5
Very impressive. Physically imposed himself at the back and didn’t shy away from any duels. Solid in the attacking phase, too.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 7
Held the backline well and didn’t look threatened by the pace PSG’s frontline possessed.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Was in sync with Saliba as usual. Made sure not to get isolated and caught in one-on-one scenarios out wide.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6
Looked nervy at times in defensive situations. Was switched to right back in the second half after Timber’s substitution.
Jurrien Timber produces another superb display for the Gunners – he physically imposed himself at the back and didn’t shy away from any duels
Riccardo Calafiori looked nervy at times and was switched to right back after Timber’s subsitution
DECLAN RICE: 8
Out-powered the opposition midfield and a key to the French side’s struggles. His poise allowed Partey extra time on the ball.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5
Was calm in the middle and chose safe passes in the middle, instead of risking giving the ball away which he has done earlier in the season.
BUKAYO SAKA: 7
Gave the ball away after six minutes but, after that, kept driving forward at will. Scored with a curling free-kick which bounced it’s way in.
KAI HAVERTZ: 7
Brave header to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball and score. Linked play well with strong aerial play.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
A livewire on the left side. The PSG full-backs were wary of trying not allowing him the space to dart forward. Occasionally got some crosses in, but lacked in end product.
Declan Rice out-powered the opposition midfield and a key to the French side’s struggles
Havertz created a golden chance for Arsenal minutes before he opened the scoring with a brave header
Mikel Arteta got his tactics spot on to deny PSG the ability to play out from the back and hurt them in attack
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
His magical assist — a cross into the box with whip and precision to set up Havertz — broke the deadlock.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
Got his tactics spot on to nullify the opposition, who had much possession but few clear-cut chances.
Substitutes
JAKUB KIWIOR (for Timber at 46′)6.5
MIKEL MERINO (for Partey at 64′) 6.5
GABRIEL JESUS (for Trossard at 74′) 6
MILES LEWIS-SKULLY (for Saka at 90+2′) 6
PSG (4-3-3)
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA: 4
A night he will want to forget. Flapped at the ball for Arsenal’s first goal, allowing Havertz to nod the ball home. And then was beaten by a Saka free-kick which he should have parried away. Though good save to deny Martinelli in second half.
ACHRAF HAKIMI: 6
His best moments were in the opposition half. Had a well-directed shot, following a run on the break, saved by Raya after 31 minutes.
A night he will want to forget. Flapped at the ball for Arsenal’s first goal, allowing Havertz to nod the ball home.
Achraf Hakimi’s best moments came in the Arsenal half and had a good shot inside the first half
MARQUINHOS: 5.5
Pulled out of position by Arsenal’s frontline. A tough night’s work.
WILLIAN PACHO: 5.5
Took the ball on in tricky positions, to his credit. But was a difficult task trying to nullify Havertz.
NUNO MENDES: 6
Was toyed with by Saka very early on but got to grips fast with facing the winger. Had a curling shot shave the right-hand post on 29 minutes.
WARREN ZAIRE-EMERY: 5.5
The young talent didn’t see much of the ball thanks to the work of the Gunners midfield, particularly Rice.
VITINHA: 6.5
A vital cog for PSG, mopping up in front of the backline and trying to get play forward. Valiant effort.
The diligence and hard work of Declan Rice restricted the talent of Warren Zaire-Emery
Vitinha put in a valiant effort on Tuesday mopping up the danger in front of the PSG back line
JOAO NEVES: 5.5
Kept forward and stayed in advanced positions. Penetrating into the area was a problem, though.
Had wild shot at goal
DESIRE DOUE: 5.5
Had a shot go past a post when offside. A quiet display.
KANG-IN LEE: 6.5
A fighter’s display. Very physical and kept coming back to his own half to help team. Delivered an eye-catching through ball to Bradley Barcola in first half.
BRADLEY BARCOLA: 5.5
Showed glimpses of class when had the ball, but was left going deep to try and get it in the first place.
A fighter’s display from the South Korean. Very physical and kept coming back to his own half to help team
Showed glimpses of class when had the ball but was well defended by Jurrien Timber and them Calafiori
Manager – LUIS ENRIQUE: 5.5
His team had occasional threatening periods, enjoying much possession, but were outclassed by Arsenal.
Substitutes
RANDAL KOLO MUANI (for Doue 64′): 6
FABIAN RUIZ (for Vitinha 64′): 6.5
