Arsenal cruise to comfortable PSG win to kickstart Champions League campaign - 5 talking points
ARSENAL 2-0 PSG: The Gunners put on a first-half show at the Emirates to see off French champions Paris Saint-Germain after goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka
Arsenal earned their first Champions League win of the season as they saw off French giants Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates.
Kai Havertz set the Gunners on their way with a fine header midway through the first half. Bukayo Saka then extended the lead as his free-kick evaded everyone and found the back of the net.
Joao Neves came close to giving his side a lifeline but his flicked effort from a corner hit the crossbar. The visitors largely dominated the second period but struggled to create any real chances to get themselves on the scoresheet.
Victory leaves Arsenal with four points from their opening two matches of their latest European campaign. Here are all of the talking points from the Emirates...
Kai Havertz scores again
After scoring 14 goals in all competitions last season, former Chelsea star Kai Havertz already looks set to beat that count this term. He opened the scoring against PSG as he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma in the air and nodded home Leandro Trossard's cross.
It was the second time of asking that Havertz had got the better of the Italian. Earlier in the game, he left the PSG goalkeeper in a heap as the pair competed for another ball.
But this time, Havertz's header dropped into the net. The German now has six goals to his name in all competitions this term and has once again silenced talk that Arsenal needed to to sign a more natural forward.
Who was Arsenal's man-of-the-match vs PSG? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Set piece style
Arsenal have become one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League from set pieces. Corners have become their speciality.
But it was from a free-kick that they seized control against PSG - and it wasn't quite as stylish as usual. After Saka was fouled on the right flank, the England winger picked himself and whipped a low ball into the area.
Havertz and Thomas Partey both stuck out a leg but neither got a touch. That appeared to bamboozle Donnarumma, who let the ball bounce in front of him and into the back of the net.
Merino finally makes debut
While their side secured an eye-catching result, Arsenal fans were also given another treat at the Emirates on Tuesday. Summer signing Mikel Merino was handed his Gunners debut.
The Spanish midfielder had been ruled out since joining the club from Real Sociedad. But he was introduced midway through the second period for fellow midfielder Thomas Partey.
He did not do anything too note worthy but was tidy enough. Arteta will certainly hope to give him some minutes this weekend.
Barcola's hot streak ends
French winger Bradley Barcola has arguably been one of the best players in Europe this season. Ahead of the trip to North London, he had scored six goals in as many league games.
But he struggled to have much of an impact against Arsenal. Jurrien Timber kept him quiet ahead of his half-time withdrawal for Jakub Kiwior.
The Polish defender did equally as well as keeping Barcola restricted. Saka also put in his fair share of work, something that Mikel Arteta will have been left very impressed with.
Statement sent
Following their opening matchday draw against Atalanta, Arsenal would certainly have been keen for victory to really get their European campaign up and running. And they thoroughly deserved the three points against PSG.
Given that the French giants represent - on paper at least - one of their toughest opponents, it makes the win even more impressive. It should certainly send a statement that Arsenal are taking the competition seriously under Mikel Arteta.
It has also given them some breathing room ahead of upcoming fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting Lisbon, Dinamo Zagreb and Girona. It is of course early days but the Gunners already look a good bet to progress.
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