Arsenal celebrated their first victory of the 2024/25 Champions League campaign on Tuesday night with a 2-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a long-awaited European night for the home fans, their first since Bayern Munich’s visit in April, and the atmosphere was electric as the rain-slicked pitch shimmered under the floodlights.
Both teams started the match with sharp passing exchanges, the wet surface enhancing the fluidity of their possession play.
However, it quickly became evident that Arsenal’s physical edge would give them the upper hand over a smaller, more technically-oriented PSG side.
The game remained evenly poised until a pivotal moment in the first half. Leandro Trossard’s wicked delivery from the left created chaos in PSG’s defense, allowing Kai Havertz to ghost in and beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball, nodding it into the net to give Arsenal the lead.
Havertz’s instincts paid off, capitalizing on the slightest hesitation from the once-heralded Italian shot-stopper, whose star has somewhat dimmed since his heroics at Euro 2020.
Donnarumma was at fault again for Arsenal’s second. Bukayo Saka whipped in a teasing cross from the right that somehow evaded everyone, including the keeper, slipping past a cluster of players at the near post to nestle in the back of the net.
Despite being limited in attacking opportunities, Arsenal executed their game plan to perfection.
Their defensive shape and tactical discipline frustrated PSG’s star-studded frontline, which lacked the influence of a marquee player.
Arsenal’s aggression in duels and relentless pressing in key areas neutralized the French champions’ attempts to assert their technical dominance.
After the break, Mikel Merino made his debut for the Gunners, adding composure in midfield. Yet, it was PSG who began to grow into the game, threatening to claw their way back.
Arsenal, however, were content to sit deeper, absorbing pressure and protecting their advantage. On the counter, the hosts continued to look dangerous, forcing Donnarumma into several key saves, while Joao Neves came closest for PSG, rattling the crossbar with a fierce effort.
As the match wore on, PSG’s intensity faded, their attempts to break down Arsenal’s defense proving futile.
Though the Gunners couldn’t quite find a third goal to completely kill off the contest, they remained in control during the final stages, comfortably seeing out a well-earned victory.
In the end, Arsenal’s resolute defense and clinical finishing ensured their Champions League return was a memorable one, with the home crowd left delighted by the display of grit and quality.
