Evening Standard
·2 October 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·2 October 2024
Arsenal had little problem in maintaining unbeaten start to season
Arsenal earned their first victory in the revamped Champions League with an assured 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz beat PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s excellent cross to head home the opening goal.
Bukayo Saka’s free-kick from the right touchline went straight through a crowd of bodies and past Donnarumma to double the hosts lead before half-time.
PSG struck the woodwork either side of the interval, through Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves, while Arsenal also missed chances to add to the lead.
Here’s how we rated the Arsenal players…
David Raya 8
Saved smartly from Achraf Hakimi and Kang-in Lee. Outstanding with his feet and nearly created an early chance for Trossard.
Jurrien Timber 7
Another composed display from the Dutchman, who has been equally impressive on both flanks this term. Hooked at half-time, hopefully not with an injury.
William Saliba 8
Commanding in the heart of defence, and easily dealt with PSG’s direct balls towards Lee in the first half.
Gabriel 8
Occasionally stretched by PSG in the second half, with Randal Kolo Muani a handful. But helped Arsenal to another impressive clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori 8
Impressive again on both sides of the back four, particularly on his unfavoured right side in the second half. PSG wanted a penalty when the ball struck his outstretched arm.
Bossed the midfield against a diminutive and inexperienced PSG side. Should have set Saka free in the first half but his pass was poor.
Thomas Partey 7
Assured and calm in the holding role, keeping Arsenal ticking over before he was replaced by debutant Mikel Merino.
Bukayo Saka 8
His goal has to go down as fortunate but he won the free-kick himself and was a livewire all night. Earlier, curled an early effort just over the bar in another outstanding European showing.
Bukayo Saka once again impressed with the captain’s armband
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Kai Havertz 8
Timed his run perfectly and bravely headed home to open the scoring. Created further chances for Martinelli and Trossard in another excellent all-round display.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Twice saw efforts saved by PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma in a lively performance, which only lacked cutting edge.
Leandro Trossard 8
Made the breakthrough with a brilliant curling cross following a purposeful run. Full of energy and a constant thorn in PSG’s side.
Subs
Jakob Kiwior (Timber 45’) 6
Fortunate not to concede a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Hakimi.
Mikel Merino (Partey 64’) 7
Snapped into tackles and recycled the ball well on his debut to offer a glimpse of what he can offer Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus (Trossard 73’) 7
Provided Arsenal with an outlet down the right flank for the final 20 minutes as they saw out a confidence-boosting win.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Saka 90') N/A
Another late cameo for the talented teenager.
Not used: Porter, Jorginho, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Robinson.