Arsenal vs PSG LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as Gunners cruise to victory
Arsenal 2-0 PSG: Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka secured the points for the Gunners
Arsenal cruised to a comfortable and deserved victory over Paris Saint-Germain after excelling in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Following a draw in their first match of this new Champions League league phase the Gunners hoped to overcome the French champions and signal that they are a team which can go all the way in this tournament.
Mikel Arteta’s side started slowly, absorbing a bit of early pressure and playing themselves into the game. They drew PSG out of position and broke down the left wing through Leandro Trossard. He flicked the ball into the box and found Kai Havertz who headed in the opener.
It was one of many chances Arsenal created in the first 20 minutes or so and when Bukayo Saka added a second from a wide free kick the hosts were well on top. In the second half, PSG responded well but couldn’t find a way through Arsenal’s stubborn defence.
The Gunners saw out the match, took the three points and are on track to move towards the top eight and an automatic spot in the knockout rounds.
Relive the Champions League updates below:
Arsenal 2-0 PSG
57 mins: PSG look to break against Arsenal high press but can’t get the final pass right. The hosts recover and get back in a solid shape as Desire Doue brings the ball down the left.
He’s forced to shoot from a long way out and doesn’t cause much trouble for David Raya.
Arsenal 2-0 PSG
54 mins: Save!
A superb flick on from Kai Havertz sends Gabriel Martinelli free inside the PSG penalty area. The winger watches the ball drop over his shoulder then volleys a good effort straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma who makes a comfortable save.
Arsenal 2-0 PSG
51 mins: Declan Rice enterprises to drive down the left wing. The defenders scurry across but are in no rush to tackle him. Instead he looks for the cross and puts the ball out of play hoping for a corner.
Arsenal 2-0 PSG
48 mins: Nuno Mendes dinks a hopeful ball over the top and picks out Bradley Barcola who takes on Calafiori. He skips around the defender and lays the ball across the box but can’t find a teammate.
Arsenal manage to work it away but that was a nervy moment for them.
Second half! Arsenal 2-0 PSG
Mikel Arteta has made a change at the break with Jurrien Timber taken off for Jakub Kiwior. Kiwior has slotted in at left-back with Riccardo Calafiori moving to the opposite side of the pitch.
The Gunners kick off the second half.
HT Arsenal 2-0 PSG
Bukayo Saka’s goal for Arsenal means he has two goals and five assists in nine games this season.
HT Arsenal 2-0 PSG
“One of Arsenal's best performances of the season so far, to the point it briefly quietened PSG's boisterous away support. After Bukayo's Saka free-kick cross went straight in for the second, there was silence from the away end, which was then met with "you're not singing any more".
“PSG's fans instead persevered through it, which was probably needed.
“Other than a brief spell at the start where Mendes hit the post and Hakimi forced a good save from Raya, Arsenal have been in complete control.
“You can actually see the experience difference in the teams, given that PSG have actually belatedly pursued the Arsenal model of trying to build a young team from the ground up.
“Arsenal are simply much more advanced. They've looked several levels above since Kai Havertz turned in Leandro Trossard's cross with a header for the first.”
Half-time! Arsenal 2-0 PSG
45+1 mins: A superb half of football for Arsenal. They were patient and played their way into the match.
After the first goal, Arsenal have been dominant but they’ve not really been tested in front of their own goal which will please David Raya.
Mikel Arteta will be more than pleased with that peformance so far.
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