Arsenal 2-0 PSG: Gunners survive second half scare, Havertz & Saka on target

Arsenal secured their first win in the new Champions League format as they overcame Paris St-Germain at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side followed an opening draw with Atalanta by taking control with two first-half goals from Kai Havertz’s header and a free-kick from Bukayo Saka that drifted in past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG had their moments, especially when Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves hit the woodwork either side of the break, but the platform for victory was established by a dominant first-half display from Arsenal.

Havertz put them ahead after 20 minutes when he beat Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross to head home, before the keeper was deceived by Saka’s set-piece from near the touchline as he was unsighted in a packed penalty area.

PSG, stripped of the old superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, mounted periods of pressure after the break as Arsenal struggled to retain possession, but Arteta felt confident enough to give a debut to Mikel Merino, a £31m signing from Real Sociedad, on another satisfactory night for Arsenal.

Match Events

9' Saka's shot in the box just wide out

20' Havertz nets header as Trossard assists! Arsenal 1-0 PSG

28' Mendes' left footed long shot just wide!

30' Hakimi's shot saved by Raya

35' Saka's free kick doubles the lead for Gunners! Arsenal 2-0 PSG

38' Trossard's shot in the box saved by goalkeeper

53' Martinelli's left footed shot in the box saved by Donnarumma

57' Havertz's header saved by Donnarumma

65' CLOSE! Neves' attempt hit the post!

67' Fabian Ruis' long shot wide out

72' Raya denies Lee's long shot

75' Donnarumma denies Martinelli's right footed close shot

79' Calafiori hand ball in the box but no penalty

Line-ups

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

Subs: Neto, Porter, Lewis-Skelly, Robinson, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Jesus.

PSG XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Doue, Lee, Barcola

Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Fabián Ruiz, Asensio, Kolo Muani, Mayulu, Lucas Beraldo, Škriniar, Zague, El Hannach, Mbaye