BREAKING NEWS: Live From Emirates, “He Was All Over The Field, Which Would Have Allowed Us To Win The Game. It’s A Shame Arteta Is Unable To Make Advantage Of Such A Great Player. PSG Coach Hails The Superstar And Claims That In His Entire Career, His Squad Has Never Faced A Player Like £68 Million Arsenal Player

Mikel Arteta retained the same lineup from Sunday’s exciting last-minute win against Leicester. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber passed late fitness assessments, allowing them to start as full-backs. Additionally, Mikel Merino, who had been out due to a fractured shoulder since his summer transfer from Real Sociedad, made the bench for the first time.

Arsenal began the match with strong intensity, pressing effectively. Their first significant opportunity came from Bukayo Saka, whose shot went just over the bar after a well-executed play involving Gabriel Martinelli and Calafiori down the left side. Despite Arsenal’s early control, PSG gradually found their rhythm, with Vitinha managing the pace of the game to disrupt Arsenal’s flow. Nonetheless, the Gunners continued to generate chances. Saka delivered a clever pass to Kai Havertz, who made an overlapping run and sent a low cross into the box, but no one was there to finish it.

After 20 minutes, Arsenal took the lead. Leandro Trossard skillfully maneuvered past Desire Doue and delivered an accurate cross. Havertz met it decisively, outjumping PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to head it into the corner of the net, putting Arsenal ahead 1-0. The chemistry between Trossard and Havertz was clear, as their seamless movement between midfield and attack complicated matters for PSG’s defense.

PSG’s first genuine chance arrived after half an hour when Nuno Mendes struck the post with a powerful shot. Moments later, Achraf Hakimi found space on a counter-attack, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into a tight-angle save. However, Arsenal quickly extended their lead. Saka sent in a dangerous cross aimed at several Arsenal players rushing toward the near post, leaving Donnarumma uncertain. The ball eventually found the net, making it 2-0 for Arsenal.

Arsenal’s inventive play from set-pieces was a highlight of the first half. Despite PSG’s defensive difficulties, the Gunners deserved praise for their creative and diverse attacking strategies, consistently appearing dangerous and demonstrating increasing tactical flexibility with each match.