Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League kicked off as Arsenal hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates. The Gunners were tipped to win the game by many and the 90 minutes that followed saw the hosts assert their dominance over their rivals. Luis Enrique and PSG were clearly second-best as the Premier League powerhouse picked up their first win of the season in the UCL.
PSG were surprisingly without Ousmane Dembele in the squad following reports of a furious bust-up between the player and Luis Enrique. Following the defeat, Enrique spoke to the press and admitted that Arsenal’s performance deserved a win nonetheless.
PSG were wasteful with their chances and poor in front of goal as they drew blanks for the first time in 51 group stage matches in the competition. Arsenal keeper David Raya made a total of just two saves, summing up how poor PSG were at creating chances. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also expressed his happiness at his side ‘doing it against big opponents’.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka help Arsenal win against PSG in 2nd UCL match
Mikel Arteta came out on top as he went head-to-head with former FC Barcelona and current PSG boss Luis Enrique. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal pick up their first win of the campaign against a side bereft of Ousmane Dembele. Arsenal enjoyed the larger share of possession and created more chances from the start, eventually resulting in the first goal.
An inviting ball sent into the penalty area by Leandro Trossard was met with a leaping header by Havertz, who beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball. The Gunners didn’t wait for long before doubling their lead, although the second goal did have its good share of luck. A free-kick whipped in by Saka was missed by everyone inside the penalty area, including PSG keeeper Donnarumma.
Havertz was handed the Player of the Match award for his commendable display, although Jurrien Timber was extremely solid in defense. Fans pointed out several moments from the game where the left-back shut out PSG’s in-form attacker Bradley Barcola with relative ease. Following the win, Arsenal now have 4 points from their first two UCL games.