Match Report: Player Ratings as Arsenal Defeat PSG in UEFA Champions League

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·1 Oktober 2024

Match Report: Player Ratings as Arsenal Defeat PSG in UEFA Champions League

Arsenal’s Commanding Victory Over PSG in UEFA Champions League

In a scintillating UEFA Champions League encounter, Arsenal secured a 2-0 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners showcased their European credentials with a performance that combined finesse and strategic acumen, much to the delight of the home supporters.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

Arsenal’s intent was clear from the outset as they asserted their dominance with a series of attacks that rattled the visitors. Kai Havertz’s headed goal, following a masterful cross from Leandro Trossard, gave Arsenal a well-deserved lead. This early strike was a testament to Arsenal’s sharpness and PSG’s somewhat lackadaisical defence, notably with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s mistimed intervention.

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Bukayo Saka soon doubled the lead with a precisely executed free-kick that Donnarumma failed to deal with, further underlining the Italian goalkeeper’s shaky performance. The Gunners went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion, having firmly taken control of the game.

PSG’s Faint Response

Despite a marginal improvement in the second half, PSG failed to mount a significant challenge. The introduction of Randal Kolo Muani and Fabian Ruiz injected some energy into the team, yet Arsenal’s defence, led by the composed William Saliba and Gabriel, held firm, ensuring a clean sheet and a quiet evening for David Raya between the sticks.

Arsenal’s Tactical Mastery

Mikel Arteta’s tactics were spot on for the night. The Arsenal manager set up his team to exploit PSG’s weaknesses, and his players executed the game plan flawlessly. From Trossard’s creativity to Saka’s dynamism on the wing, Arsenal looked like a team that knew exactly what was required on the European stage.

Player Ratings

Arsenal

David Raya: 6/10 – A relatively untroubled night.
Jurrien Timber: 7/10 – Solid defensively, subbed at half-time.
William Saliba: 6/10 – Controlled and composed.
Gabriel: 6/10 – Comfortable and steady at the back.
Riccardo Calafiori: 7/10 – Energetic down the flanks.
Thomas Partey: 7/10 – Protective of the back four, crucial interceptions.
Declan Rice: 7/10 – Energetic, driving midfield presence.
Bukayo Saka: 8/10 – A constant threat, scored the crucial second goal.
Leandro Trossard: 8/10 – Instrumental in the first goal, vibrant playmaking.
Gabriel Martinelli: 7/10 – Showed flashes of brilliance.
Kai Havertz: 8/10 – A goal scorer who was always in the right place.

Substitutes

Jakub Kiwior: 6/10
Mikel Merino: 6/10
Gabriel Jesus: 6/10
Myles Lewis-Skelly: N/A

PSG

Gianluigi Donnarumma: 3/10 – A night to forget.
Achraf Hakimi: 6/10 – Tried to make things happen.
Marquinhos: 6/10 – Struggled with Arsenal’s movement.
Willian Pacho: 5/10 – Overwhelmed at times.
Nuno Mendes: 6/10 – Showed promise but inconsistent.
Warren Zaire-Emery: 6/10 – Decent in midfield.
Vitinha: 5/10 – Struggled against dynamic opponents.
Joao Neves: 6/10 – Hit the woodwork, a rare highlight.
Desire Doue: 5/10 – Largely ineffective.
Lee Kang-in: 5/10 – Struggled in a challenging role.
Bradley Barcola: 6/10 – PSG’s most threatening player.

Substitutes

Fabian Ruiz: 6/10
Randal Kolo Muani: 6/10

Conclusion

Arsenal’s victory was a clear statement of their intentions in this season’s UEFA Champions League. With standout performances from Havertz and Saka, coupled with a tactical setup that neutralised PSG’s threats, the Gunners have laid down a marker for their European ambitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Managers’ Corner

Mikel Arteta: 7/10 – A tactically astute night, with his team well-prepared and dominant.
Luis Enrique: 5/10 – His team lacked the physicality and tactical sharpness to challenge Arsenal effectively.

This performance not only extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run but also positions them as serious contenders in the UEFA Champions League, a testament to their growth under Arteta’s stewardship.