Luis Enrique was taking several gambles ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s biggest test of the campaign so far. Following reports of a heated argument with Ousmane Dembélé – which was denied by the Asturian in the build-up – the French winger was dropped for the trip to face Arsenal in North London, with Désiré Doué taking his spot on the right wing.
The Ligue 1 leaders had struggled in their European opener against Catalan upstarts Girona – ultimately carving out the win with a last-minute own goal – in a match that drew criticism towards a flailing midfield performance.
Earlier reports that Vitinha – the standout performer of last year’s European campaign for PSG – could be dropped from the lineup indicated a willingness on Luis Enrique’s part to counter Arsenal’s physically imposing midfield set-up, although the Portuguese technician was eventually named in the eleven in the end,
That midfield intensity, though, was on display from the start of the match, as the North Londoners pressed Paris Saint-Germain high up the pitch instantly. The Gunners’ early spell of dominance soon paid off as Kai Havertz headed in from Leandro Trossard’s cross – the German beating a stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball.
Chances for the visitors would be few and far between, with Nuno Mendes clipping the post from range with an ambitious long-range effort, before Achraf Hakimi broke through down the right and saw his cross deflected out of play by David Raya.
It was the PSG goalkeeper, meanwhile who would be at fault again when Arsenal doubled the lead – Bukayo Saka’s free-kick from wide piercing through the crowd of players and creeping into the far corner ten minutes before the break. PSG would have no response to Arsenal’s physicality and intensity.
The first twenty minutes of the second half would play out in the same vein, with Donnarumma this time keeping out the closest of the home chances in a long-range volley from Martinelli. PSG eventually regained some composure, with a change in momentum coming following some tactical tweaks (Kang-in Lee moving to the right-hand side) and a weakening in Arsenal’s high press.
PSG’s late dominance in possession would draw few clear-cut chances, though – with a long-range knuckle shot from Kang-in Lee and a João Neves effort onto the bar coming closest to troubling the hosts.
Save for a couple of penalty shouts – one for a handball from Calafiori – the Arsenal defence was able to comfortably shepherd the team through the final minutes of the game. The experience assuredness on display from Mikel Arteta’s team, especially off the ball, stood in stark contrast to the desperate lack of ideas on the part of the young Parisians – whose determination was nevertheless beyond reproach.
While Paris Saint-Germain were not at full-strength, it will have nevertheless been a sobering first defeat of the campaign for Luis Enrique’s men – one that shows there is still work to do if they are to reach the gates of the final again.
PSG player ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 3 – Another unfortunate evening on the continental stage for the Italian, who was at fault in Arsenal’s two first-half goals. Redeemed himself with a good close-range stop from Martinelli at the start of the second half – and a few other saves – but the Italian’s Champions League performances continue to weaken his status as PSG’s undisputed number one.
Achraf Hakimi, 6 – The Moroccan was PSG’s most incisive attacking threat, having broken past Calafiori down the right wing several times – unfortunately, his teammates’ lack of presence in the box meant that his efforts were to no avail.
Marquinhos, 5
Willian Pacho, 4
Nuno Mendes, 4
Warren Zaïre-Emery, 5
Vitinha, 4
João Neves, 5
Désiré Doué, 4 – The 19-year-old was brought into the starting lineup in the absence of Ousmane Dembélé, who was sanctioned for disciplinary reasons by Luis Enrique. The few opportunities he did get on the ball, though, came to nothing against an impenetrable Arsenal defence. Replaced by Randal Kolo Muani on the hour mark.
Kang-in Lee, 6 – A valiant but ultimately ineffective shift up front in the first half soon gave way to a more dynamic showing from the right wing.
Bradley Barcola, 5
Selected Arsenal player ratings
Kai Havertz, 7
Leandro Trossard, 7
William Saliba, 9
Declan Rice, 8
Riccardo Calafiori, 8
Jurriën Timber, 8
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin – reporting from Arsenal Stadium
