Arsenal vs PSG LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as Gunners cruise to victory
Arsenal 2-0 PSG: Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka secured the points for the Gunners
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Arsenal cruised to a comfortable and deserved victory over Paris Saint-Germain after excelling in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Following a draw in their first match of this new Champions League league phase the Gunners hoped to overcome the French champions and signal that they are a team which can go all the way in this tournament.
Mikel Arteta’s side started slowly, absorbing a bit of early pressure and playing themselves into the game. They drew PSG out of position and broke down the left wing through Leandro Trossard. He flicked the ball into the box and found Kai Havertz who headed in the opener.
It was one of many chances Arsenal created in the first 20 minutes or so and when Bukayo Saka added a second from a wide free kick the hosts were well on top. In the second half, PSG responded well but couldn’t find a way through Arsenal’s stubborn defence.
The Gunners saw out the match, took the three points and are on track to move towards the top eight and an automatic spot in the knockout rounds.
Relive the Champions League updates below:
Arsenal 0-0 PSG
12 mins: At the other end of the pitch PSG win a corner. It gets whipped into the middle of the box where Joao Neves flicks it on only for Leandro Trossard to head it away.
On the edge of the box Nuno Mendes arrives and attempts an ambitious volley which sails well wide of the target. It wasn’t a close effort but it’s a sign of PSG’s desire to attack the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-0 PSG
9 mins: Close!
Arsenal recover the ball in the middle of the pitch and break quickly through Riccardo Calafiori. He drives into the middle of the pitch before lacing a pass out to Saka on the right.
Saka cuts ont his left foot and shoots but his curling effort just flies over the far corner of the goal.
Arsenal 0-0 PSG
6 mins: Donnarumma and Martinelli are both fine to continue. Arsenal attempt to play out from the back but Bukayo Saka loses possession after a tackle from Bradley Barcola.
There’s no space in the box for him to operate and Arsenal’s quick movement sees them swarm the forward and win themselves a free kick.
Arsenal 0-0 PSG
3 mins: Gianluigi Donnarumma is down after a collision with Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal winger is slipped into the box and drives at the PSG goalkeeper chasing after the loose ball.
The goalkeeper gets there first but needs a bit of treatment after the two collide.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 PSG
Paris Saint-Germain get the ball rolling and send it back to captain Marquinhos. He boots a long ball over to the left wing but Arsenal turn over possession and slide it up to Bukayo Saka.
Saka goes on an early run and darts inside before looking to pick out Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal vs PSG
Here come the teams. Arsenal are the favourites to win tonight as PSG continue to rebuild and reshape their team under manager Luis Enrique.
Mikel Arteta’s side have come through that stage and are now hoping to achieve the historic feat of winning the Champions League. First though they’ll need to get through tonight’s match.
Kick off is up next...
Arsenal vs PSG
A reminder that tonight’s match is being shown on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage started at 6.30pm with Gabby Logan on presenting duties.
The teams are amassing in the tunnel ready to take to the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.
Is Saka Arsenal’s key man?
Bukayo Saka has been directly involved in seven goals in five Champions League appearances at Emirates Stadium (four goals and three assists).
It is the most combined goals and assists by an Arsenal player through his first five home matches in the competition.
Arsenal vs PSG
PSG have lost six of their last nine Champions League games against English opposition, including each of their last three. Their 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United last term was their heaviest away defeat to an English opponent.
Only three players have played for both Arsenal and PSG in the Champions League, with Mikel Arteta being one of those along with Nicolas Anelka and Lassana Diarra.
Arsenal looking forward to PSG clash
Mikel Arteta said: “We’re looking forward to it. These are the kind of nights that we want to experience and want to have against an unbelievable opponent. [PSG] are exceptional.
“They have a very clear intention of how they want to dominate the game through the ball and when they don’t have it, they want it straight back.
“We know after the draw in Atalanta, with the number of games we have left still, it’s going to be really important. Nothing is going to be decided tomorrow.”
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