Arsenal successfully silenced PSG with a score of 2-0 in the matchday 2 League Phase of the 2024/2025 Champions League held at the Emirates Stadium, Tuesday (1/10/2024).
Arsenal’s two winning goals over PSG were all scored in the first half, each through Kai Havertz’s header and Bukayo Saka’s free kick execution.
Thanks to this result, Arsenal finally achieved their first victory in the League Phase of the Champions League this season. Meanwhile, PSG suffered a defeat after winning the first match.
Arsenal dominated the game from the start. The hosts also succeeded in opening the lead in the 20th minute through Havertz’s header continuing Leandro Trossard’s crossing.
In the 35th minute, Arsenal’s lead increased to 2-0. Saka’s free kick from the right side glided smoothly without being anticipated by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The score of 2-0 lasted until the first half ended.
Entering the second half, the match was quite balanced. Both teams created a number of chances, but no additional goals were scored. The final score of the match was 2-0.
Kai Havertz was named the best player in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over PSG.
UEFA panelists voted Havertz as Player of the Match in this match. His goal helped open Arsenal’s lead. His performance throughout the full 90 minutes was impressive.
“He showed a lot of effort and intelligent movement, as well as a very good understanding with his attacking colleagues. Havertz was very sharp in the final third when his team needed him.” was the UEFA panel’s assessment of Havertz’s performance.
Overall, Havertz recorded two shots, six touches in the opponent’s penalty box, two passes into the final third of the opponent’s area, and 10 duels won.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have sent a strong message in the Champions League with a convincing win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta believes the win will be a big confidence boost for his young squad after the match.
“I think it’s a confidence boost and a belief that we can compete with any team at that level, in Europe, in Europe it’s very different to the Premier League,” he said.
“I think we showed maturity in the way we played and we showed how we want to play in Europe against the top teams, and I really liked that.”
It was a satisfying night for Arteta, with his Arsenal side dominating one of Europe’s heavyweights in the first half and then comfortably holding them at bay after the break.
“The first half was very dominant and we created a lot of chances and then the second half was a different game,” Arteta added.
“That and then what happened.
“So, managing the emotional aspect and staying in the game the way we had to, I was really impressed and happy with that, although in the second half there were a few things we had to do better.”
