Arsenal Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

PSG Starting XI: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marqunihos, Pacho, N. Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; D. Doué, Lee Kang In, Barcola.

Match officials:

Referee:

Tomaž Klančnik SVN

Assistant referees: 

Andraž Kovačič SVN

Nejc Kajtazovic SVN

Video Assistant Referee:

Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL

Assistant Video Assistant Referee:

Rade Obrenovič SVN

Champions League 

Emirates Stadium 

Tuesday 1st October 2024

KO: 20:00 (UK)

We are here tonight for our first home Champions League game of the 24/25 season. Tonight’s opposition is PSG who are renowned for being a big club however, after the departure of many key players they have began to struggle. 

We look to build on a strong first performance against Atalanta as we are still missing our key player Martin Odegaard. However for me, I think that Leandro Trossard has stepped up and put in some good performances. 

Another mention to Jurrien Timber who has been excellent. PSG have scored in their previous 50 group stage games I believe so hopefully we can put an end to their streak.

As we kicked off in North London, our first chance came within two minutes as Saka tried to play through Havertz however, the German forward was deemed to be offside. A minute later, we had another opportunity as Raya played a long ball through to Martinelli who was met by Donnarumma as the two clashed leaving both players on the floor needing treatment. 

We began on the front foot however, PSG stood strong as a few moments later, we had another effort with Saka’s curling effort going over the bar. PSG then had a chance of their own as Hakimi won a corner which was headed clear out to Nuno Mendes who volleyed wide. Saka had a lively start to the game as he put in another cross which was easily claimed by Donnarumma. 

We were playing with a high press which PSG couldn’t resist however, Nuno Mendes did well to win a free kick for the away side. Havertz then created an opening as he surged towards the area however, his ball was united by Hakimi. We managed again to break away through Trossard who did brilliantly to get away from the opposition player on the  halfway line and deliver a floating cross into Havertz who beat Donnarumma to the ball and headed home.

 PSG had been holding onto the majority of the ball but weren’t creating any threatening attacks. On the other hand, moments later Nuno Mendes drove towards the box and fired an effort which clipped the side of the post and out for a goal kick. Again PSG found an opening, this time through Hakimi whose shot was well saved by Raya and out for a corner. The corner was swung in but cleared by an Arsenal defender. Some good play from Trossard and Saka allowed the starboy to win a free kick on the right side of the PSG half.  

Saka stepped up to take as he whipped the ball in low and into the net with Martinelli jumping over the ball throwing off the PSG keeper. PSG had to try and get a reaction however, gave away another free kick. Saka sent the ball in however it went over everyone and out for a corner. PSG had their final chance of the half but their pass was overhit and the referee blew for half time.

Half time views:

A very dominant performance with some standouts such as Timber who has done exceptionally well with keeping Barcola quiet. Arteta will be pleased with how we have contained them in their half.

Saka and Havertz have also created plenty of chances with Trossard being the main creator.

No changes needed unless any injury concerns. Maybe a swap of Martinelli with Sterling to give him a run out.

As we looked to enter the second half we replaced Timber with Kiwior a change which looked to be about keeping aware of Timber’s previous injury. Again PSG maintained most of the possession passing it around without creating anything. 

They then won a free kick which was crossed in however, our prowess in the air helped us to clear. Some nice play from our attackers came to a chipped ball into Martinelli whose volley was straight at Donnarumma. Martinelli then went down the left winning a corner in the process. The corner was put in however, Donnarumma was there to claim. 

As we opened up the PSG defence an opportunity fell to Havertz however, he couldn’t gain enough power to beat the PSG keeper. Merino then made his way on for Partey to the delight of the home support of his delayed debut, as Doue and Vitinha were replaced by Ruiz and Muani for PSG.

 PSG then won a corner which was whipped in and flicked on by Neves as the ball hit the cross bar and out as we were able to clear. Ruiz then had an effort which sailed over the bar. Moments later, a swivelling effort from Ruiz forced a strange stop from Raya who parried out as we cleared. PSG began to apply the pressure but we still looked comfortable. 

Arteta then made his second substitution with Jesus replacing Trossard. The ball then broke to Martinelli on the left, who forced a fine low save by Donnarumma from close range. Straight to the other end with Muani, who played a one-two with Barcola in on the break. But the ball back was just too far ahead of the sub as he looked for a tap in. Calafiori and Ruiz were then both shown yellow for an unreasonable push and shove.

 A deflected ball went into the box as it bounced up and hit Calafiori on the arm. The ref didn’t like the claim for a penalty, and neither did VAR. The PSG attack had been far more lively in the second period as they found room on the left again, but the cross was blocked. PSG then own a corner which was swung in and met by Marquinhos whose header went over the bar. Muani went down in the box and nothing war given. VAR checked and there was a shirt pull but it began outside the box so the review system couldn’t intervene as it wouldn’t have been a penalty anyway. 

Jesus ran out of room on the right as we brought on youngster Lewis-Skelly for Saka. 4 minutes were added. A late PSG corner trickled through to Raya summing up the away team’s night as the referee blew the full time whistle.

Full time views:

A very controlled second half performance and an all round good game. PSG weren’t very clinical and didn’t offer much attacking threat which allowed us to  sit back and soak up the pressure.

With many good performances, my MOTM would go to Havertz. I felt that he lead the press and made good runs aswell as getting a goal. Saka, Trossard and the defence also had very good games.

Anyhow, onwards and upwards as we look to face Southampton at home on Saturday.

COYG 

Hudson