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Arsenal secured a straightforward 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium in Round 2 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 1.
Arsenal made a bright start to the contest and pushed PSG into their own half in the initial stages. However, the Parisians used their fullbacks extensively as Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi both had decent chances to score early in the game. The Gunners maintained composure and defended well as they prevented any mishaps in their own half, and also grabbed the lead after 20 minutes.
Leandro Trossard's perfectly weighted cross found Kai Havertz in the box as the German rose highest and nodded home to make it 1-0. The goal further galvanized an already sharp Arsenal attack as they created even more chances. Despite having just 39% of the ball, the hosts did their best to keep PSG pinned in their own half with a high line.
PSG then found themselves two goals behind in the 35th minute after Bukayo Saka's free-kick from the right flank crept into the net. Gianluigi Donnarumma was dumbfounded by the trajectory of the ball as it went into the net with ease. The Gunners carried a well-deserved 2-0 lead into half-time.
Arsenal began the second half in a similar fashion as they were happy to cede possession to PSG as they were keen to preserve their two-goal lead. The Parisians took this opportunity to come at the hosts with wave after wave of attacks but were unable to penetrate their 18-yard box. Luis Enrique even brought on Randal Kolo Muani and Fabian Ruiz to turn the tide in their favour.
However, the Gunners were so solid that they gave PSG no breathing space in and around their box. This resulted in six shots from the Parisians but just one was on target. The hosts, meanwhile, attempted three shots, but forced Donnarumma to make three decent saves.
Mikel Arteta made multiple changes to close the game out and each of the substitutes came on and played a welll. The Gunners secored a routine 2-0 win, and on that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 7/10
Raya had a decent game and was called upon to make two decent saves for the Gunners and kept a deserved clean sheet.
Jurrien Timber - 7/10
Timber had an excellent first half as he won five duels but was hooked at the break and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
William Saliba - 7/10
Saliba was solid in Arsenal's defence as he won four duels and also made one clearance.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7/10
Gabriel put in another solid performance for the Gunners as he won three of his four duels, making four clearances in the process.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7.5/10
Calafiori took the liberty to venture forward often and was impactful on the left hand side. He won six duels, making four clearances and one intercepion.
Bukayo Saka - 7.5/10
Saka put in a captain's performance and was credited with his team's second goal. Saka passed the ball with 77% accuracy, including one key pass.
Thomas Partey - 7/10
Partey had a decent game in midfield as he passed the ball with 93% accuracy, including one long ball. He also won his only duel.
Declan Rice - 7/10
Rice was covering great distances on the pitch and also won four duels, making one dribble as well. He also made one clearance and one interception.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7/10
Martinelli passed the ball with 93% accuracy, including one key pass. However, he also missed two fairly big chances to score with his two shots on target. He also won four duels.
Leandro Trossard - 7.5/10
Trossard provided a lovely assist for Havertz's goal in the first half. He also won six duels, completed two dribbles and played one key pass.
Kai Havertz - 8/10
Havertz scored a well-cushioned header to put Arsenal 1-0 up midway through the first period. He also attempted another shot on target and also won a game-high 10 duels.
Substitutes
Jakub Kiwior - 7/10
The Pole came on for the second half and put in a composed display as he won both his duels, making two clearances and two interceptions.
Mikel Merino - 6.5/10
Merino made his Arsenal debut in the 64th minute of this contest as he came on to replace Partey. However, he had a subpar game.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
He came on in the second half of the match and failed to have much of an impact on the proceedings.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - N/A
He came on late in the game with just stoppage time left to play and hence does not warrant a rating.
