A new-look PSG, stripped of their superstar cast of yesteryear but talented nonetheless, arrived in the Emirates with ambitions of pulling off a Champions League shock – but one England star in particular had other plans for the French titans.
It was a strong start for the hosts, who led 2-0 at half-time, in a match with many battles and duels between both groups of players.
While many of the hosts’ key names were on the board that night, one superstar had a night to forget in North London as the Gunners put in a statement performance.
Much has been said about Mikel Arteta’s record in the Champions League compared to his ever-improving CV at home, but performances like Tuesday’s will have the rest of Europe’s elite watching nervously.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates to see how the players were doing.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Arsenal with a brave header past Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Gunners doubled their lead before half-time with a Bukayo Saka free-kick that eluded everyone in the middle
The Arsenal captain scored his first Champions League goal of the season and his fifth in six Champions League games in the Emirates
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Quick from his penalty area when necessary and Gabriel Martinelli almost played through on goal after a few minutes.
JURRIEN HOUT: 7.5
Very impressive. Physically, he placed himself at the back and did not shy away from duels. Also solid in the attacking phase.
WILLEM SALIBA: 7
He held the back line well and did not appear threatened by the pace that PSG’s front line possessed.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Was in sync with Saliba as usual. Make sure you don’t become isolated and caught up in one-on-one scenarios.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6
He looked nervous at times in defensive situations. Was switched to right back in the second half after Timber’s substitution.
Jurrien Timber produces another fantastic performance for the Gunners – physically pushing himself at the back and not shying away from duels
Riccardo Calafiori looked nervous at times and was switched to right back after Timber’s substitution
DECLAN RICE: 8
Outscored the opposition midfield and was a key to the French side’s struggle. His poise allowed Partey extra time on the ball.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5
Was calm in the middle and opted for safe passes in the middle, rather than risking giving the ball away as he did earlier in the season.
BUKAYO SAKA: 7
Gave the ball away after six minutes, but then continued to drive forward under their own steam. Scored with a curling free kick that bounced in.
KAI HAVERTZ: 7
Brave header to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball and score. Good linked play with strong air play.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
A livewire on the left. PSG’s full-backs were wary of not giving him space to burst forward. Every now and then some crosses came in, but the end product was lacking.
Declan Rice outpaced the opposition midfield and was a key to the French side’s struggles
Havertz created a golden chance for Arsenal minutes before opening the scoring with a brave header
Mikel Arteta has well thought out his tactics to deny PSG the opportunity to play from the back and hurt them in attack
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
His magical assist – a cross into the box with whip and precision to set up Havertz – broke the deadlock.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
He got his tactics perfect to nullify the opposition, who had plenty of possession but few clear-cut chances.
Substitutes
JAKUB KIWIOR (for wood at 46′)6.5
MIKEL MERINO (for Partey at 64′) 6.5
GABRIEL JESUS (for Trossard at 74′) 6
MILES LEWIS SKULLY (for Saka at 90+2′) 6
PSG (4-3-3)
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA: 4
A night he wants to forget. Fluttered to the ball for Arsenal’s first goal, allowing Havertz to nod the ball home. And was then beaten by a free kick from Saka, which he should have parried. Although a good save to deny Martinelli in the second half.
ACHRAF HAKIMI: 6
His best moments were in the opponent’s half. Had a well-aimed shot after a point on the break, which was saved by Raya in the 31st minute.
A night he wants to forget. Fluttered to the ball for Arsenal’s first goal, allowing Havertz to nod the ball home.
Achraf Hakimi’s best moments came in the Arsenal half and had a good shot in the first half
MARQUINHOS: 5.5
Pulled out of position by Arsenal’s front line. A tough night’s work.
WILLIAN PACHO: 5.5
He got the ball in difficult positions, which was to his credit. But undoing Havertz was a difficult task.
NUNO MENDES: 6
It was played with very early on by Saka, but he quickly got to grips with the winger. Had a curling shot that grazed the right post after 29 minutes.
WARREN ZAIRE-EMERY: 5.5
The young talent didn’t see much of the ball thanks to the work of the Gunners midfield, especially Rice.
VITINHA: 6.5
A vital cog for PSG, clearing in front of the backline and trying to move forward. Brave try.
Declan Rice’s dedication and hard work limited Warren Zaire-Emery’s talent
Vitinha made a brave effort on Tuesday to remove the danger to PSG’s backline
JOAO NEVES: 5.5
Continued forward and remained in advanced positions. However, encroachment into the area was a problem.
Had a wild shot on target
DESIRE DOUE: 5.5
When offside, a shot went past a post. A quiet display.
KANG-IN LEE: 6.5
A battle display. Very physical and kept coming back to his own half to help the team. Delivered a striking through ball to Bradley Barcola in the first half.
BRADLEY BARCOLA: 5.5
Showed glimpses of class when he had the ball but kept going deep to try and get the ball at all.
A combat display from the South Korean. Very physical and kept coming back to his own half to help the team
Showed glimpses of class when he had the ball but was well defended by Jurrien Timber and Calafiori
Manager – LUIS ENRIQUE: 5.5
His team occasionally had threatening periods and enjoyed a lot of ball possession, but was outclassed by Arsenal.
Substitutes
RANDAL KOLO MUANI (for Doué 64′): 6
FABIAN RUIZ (for Vitinha 64′): 6.5