Arsenal 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka score as Gunners claim Champions League victory | Football News

Arsenal put in a professional performance, defeating the young Paris Saint-Germain side 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium and claiming their first Champions League win of the season.

The Gunners opened the scoring in the first half when Kai Havertz slipped between two defenders and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful header from a tantalizing cross from Leandro Trossard.

For the second goal, Arsenal showed their prowess from set pieces, with Bukayo Saka, usually the provider, this time the scorer as his shot from the right side bounced just past the post through a crowd, outwitting Donnarumma and flying straight into the goal.

Arsenal had chances to extend their lead when Trossard was denied by Donnarumma from close range shortly after the second goal and Gabriel Martinelli twice shot too close to the PSG goalkeeper after the break.

Luis Enrique's new-look side, who were without the late Kylian Mbappé and have an average age of 23, also created chances, with Nuno Mendes hitting the post from distance in the first half and Joao Neves later hitting the crossbar from a corner.

But Arsenal withstood their pressure in the second third, with Mikel Arteta handing new summer signing Mikel Merino his debut off the bench. The only concern was Jurrien Timber's withdrawal at half-time, with Arteta later saying the defender “felt”. “Something muscular,” adding, “I didn’t want to take any chances.”

After a goalless draw at Atalanta in their first Champions League game, the victory moves Arsenal into the top eight places in the league table, while PSG drops to 18th.

Arteta: We showed that we can compete with anyone

arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta in his press conference:

“I think it boosts confidence and belief that we can compete with any team at this level in games that are very different to the Premier League.”

“We showed maturity and made our mark in Europe against the top teams. I really liked that.”

“I felt something different [the players] tonight. They wanted to prove something. We can be ourselves and that is another step. We have to continue with this.

“I think they needed that. I think it's a special night against a big European club. It strengthens everyone's faith and spirits. It shows we can beat them.”

Analysis: Havertz shines with a statement victory

Nick Wright from Sky Sports:

This should be one of Arsenal's toughest tasks in the league phase. And yet, apart from an awkward period in the second half, the most striking thing was how routine it felt. In that sense it was a clear win, a clear defeat against one of the best teams in Europe.

Arsenal effectively played two games and showed their ruthless attacking prowess in the first half with a goal from the field of play and one from a dead ball; They then fell back on their defensive prowess as PSG tried to recover after the break.

Arsenal, quarter-finalists last year, appear to be a team capable of progressing this time around, with Arteta highlighting both their maturity and quality after the game.

It was a particularly productive evening for Havertz, who continues to cement his position as Arsenal's go-to striker. His goal was his fifth of the season in all competitions and his third in as many appearances, following his goals against Bolton and Leicester.

It was a classic centre-forward game where he timed his run perfectly to Trossard's precise, diagonal cross and showed his courage to reach the ball before the stranded Donnarumma.

But this was also a demonstration that showed that the German international has much more to offer than just being present in the penalty area. At times you could see him rushing around Saka on the overlap. At others he diligently defended his own box. His intensity and commitment all over the pitch characterize this Arsenal team.

“He was incredible,” Arteta said afterwards. “His football brain, the way he reads the space, his timing, he brings people together. His work ethic is incredible and now he is a real threat in the box. He’s one of our main players at the moment.”

Luis Enrique: The defeat is mine

PSG Boss Luis Enrique in his press conference:

“It would be wrong to blame individuals. The defeat is mine. I am responsible.”

“Gigi [Donnarumma] was at the same level as his teammates, far from the level we needed to win the game.

“We couldn't overcome their pressing, they won every duel. A fully deserved defeat for us and a deserved win for Arsenal.”

“It's impossible to keep up if you don't win a duel. Their defenders anticipated the actions of our strikers, but we never anticipated their strikers. We were far away from the first minute.”

How the game ended

What's coming up in the Champions League?