Mikel Arteta named an unchanged Arsenal lineup for their crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, following their dramatic last-minute victory over Leicester. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber passed late fitness tests and were able to start in the full-back positions, providing a significant boost for the Gunners.
There was more positive news as Mikel Merino, recently recovered from a fractured shoulder, made his first appearance on the bench since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer.
Arsenal started the game brightly, pressing PSG aggressively and dictating the tempo early on. Their first clear opportunity came when Bukayo Saka curled an effort just over the bar after an excellent exchange between Gabriel Martinelli and Calafiori on the left wing. However, PSG soon found their rhythm, with Vitinha getting more of the ball and slowing down Arsenal’s early momentum.
Despite this, the Gunners continued to push forward, creating another chance when Saka sent Kai Havertz through on the overlap, although his low cross failed to find a teammate in the box.
The breakthrough came 20 minutes into the game, courtesy of Leandro Trossard. The Belgian skillfully evaded PSG’s Desire Doue before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Havertz leapt bravely, beating Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball and heading it into the corner to give Arsenal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
The partnership between Trossard and Havertz continued to flourish, with their fluid movement between midfield and attack proving difficult for PSG to handle.
PSG took half an hour to create their first real opportunity when Nuno Mendes struck the post with a powerful effort. Shortly afterward, Achraf Hakimi launched a dangerous counter-attack, sprinting past Calafiori and forcing David Raya into a sharp save from a tight angle.
Despite these moments of pressure, Arsenal remained in control and soon doubled their lead. Saka whipped in a dangerous cross toward the near post, which confused Donnarumma and slipped past him into the net, making it 2-0. It was a clever set-piece routine from the Gunners, who looked threatening from dead-ball situations throughout the first half.
Trossard had a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 before the break after a brilliant piece of play from Saka on the wing. However, the Belgian couldn’t connect cleanly with the captain’s low cross from close range. Despite PSG’s technical quality and potential, Arsenal’s physical dominance and high press suffocated their opponents, leaving the French side struggling to find a foothold in the match.
At halftime, Arteta made a substitution, bringing on Jakub Kiwior to replace Jurrien Timber, with Calafiori shifting to right-back. The change appeared to be precautionary, as Timber had been solid in the first half. Arsenal nearly scored what would have been a spectacular team goal early in the second half, with a slick one-touch passing move involving Saka, Trossard, and Havertz setting up Martinelli for a left-footed volley. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Donnarumma was well-positioned to make the save.
With an hour played, Merino came on to make his Arsenal debut, replacing Thomas Partey. Given Partey’s injury history and recent heavy workload, this substitution was likely aimed at preserving the midfielder’s fitness. PSG responded by introducing Fabian Ruiz and Randal Kolo Muani, and the visitors began to enjoy more possession. Joao Neves came close to pulling one back for PSG, flicking a header onto the crossbar from a corner, while Lee Kang-in forced Raya into a save with a swerving long-range effort.
Donnarumma made another sharp save to deny Arsenal a third goal, and PSG grew frustrated when they appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Calafiori’s arm in the box. However, after a quick VAR review, the referee waved away their claims.
As the second half progressed, Arsenal’s intensity understandably dropped, and PSG created more chances, though they failed to capitalize on them. Despite tiring late on, Arsenal’s impressive performance earned them a well-deserved victory. Arteta’s side continues their strong form as they approach the international break, maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
