Arsenal picked up their first win of this season’s Champions League with a routine 2-0 win over Paris Saint-German at the Emirates.
Kai Havertz rose highest to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross and head past Gianluigi Donnarumma after just twenty minutes.
Mikel Arteta’s side doubled their lead later in the first half when Bukayo Saka’s low free-kick squirmed through a flurry of bodies and past the flapping PSG keeper.
The French outfit came on stronger in the second half, with Joao Neves hitting the bar from a corner, but the home side were resolute in defence to grind out a well-deserved win and continue their unbeaten start to the new-look league phase.
Here is how rated the performances of each Arsenal player.
David Raya – 7
Not his most demanding game between the sticks but did what was required when called upon. Prevented Achraf Hakimi from a tight angle in the first half and reacted well after the break to save Kang-In Lee’s swerving long-range effort.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Kept PSG quiet down the Arsenal right flank in the first half, including a superb tackle on Bradley Barcola as the winger threatened inside the penalty area. Arsenal fans will hope his half-time withdrawal was only precautionary.
William Saliba – 7
A vital interception midway through the second half to prevent Barcola’s low cross from reaching Randal Kolo Muani inside the six-yard box.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Marshalled the Arsenal defence as well as ever. Superbly timed challenge on Desire Doue in the second half to prevent a threatening counterattack for the away side.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Already looks like part of the furniture in Arsenal’s defence. A consummate defensive display at left-back.
Thomas Partey – 6
Played an important role in Arsenal’s first goal and was a key cog in the Gunners’ dominant first-half display. Replaced by Mikel Merino midway through the second half and will face a fight on his hands to keep the Spaniard out of the starting XI in the coming weeks.
Declan Rice – 7
Strode forward with purpose in the first half but was equally willing to do the hard yards after the break when PSG enjoyed more possession and chased a way back into the game.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Let a good early chance pass him by but found the back of the net later in the first half when his low free-kick squirmed past the PSG defence and into the back of the net. Even when it’s not his best delivery, the Englishman retains a huge threat from set pieces.
Leandro Trossard – 8
The Belgian is fast making himself undroppable to Arteta given his current rich vein of form. Won the ball back superbly before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Havertz’s opening goal. Was a threat on numerous occasions after that before his withdrawal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Got his first goal since March last weekend against Leicester and should have added to his tally shortly after the break. Connected with the opportunity well but blasted the effort straight down Donnarumma’s throat. Created a good chance for Havertz with a cross shortly after.
Kai Havertz
Looks full of confidence leading the line for the Gunners now. Showed bravery to throw himself at Trossard’s cross and was rewarded with the crucial touch ahead of Donnarumma to score Arsenal’s first goal.
Substitutes
(Timber, 46′) – 6
(Partey, 64′) – 6
(Trossard, 74′) – 5
(Saka, 90+2′) – N/A
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