Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka starred as Arsenal secured their first Champions League victory of the season, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. The German forward opened the scoring with a well-timed header, while Saka doubled the lead before half-time to underline the Gunners’ dominance.
After drawing their opening group match against Atalanta, Arsenal moved to four points in their bid to progress to the knockout stages. Mikel Arteta’s side remains unbeaten in nine games across all competitions this season, following last year’s quarter-final exit from the Champions League and their near-miss in the Premier League title race.
Arteta praised his team’s first-half performance, calling it dominant and brave, but acknowledged they faced greater pressure in the second half. Arteta was particularly complimentary of Havertz, who has been in fine form recently.
The match also marked the return of Spain international Mikel Merino, who made his Arsenal debut after recovering from a shoulder injury. His introduction in the final 30 minutes was a boost for Arteta, especially with captain Martin Odegaard currently sidelined.
Meanwhile. PSG manager Luis Enrique was critical of his team’s performance, lamenting their lack of intensity and inability to win duels.
Arsenal’s relentless pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Havertz headed home a Leandro Trossard cross, leaving PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded. The goal continued Havertz’s resurgence, silencing critics who questioned his £65 million move from Chelsea.
PSG, missing Ousmane Dembélé after a reported clash with Luis Enrique, struggled to respond. Nuno Mendes came close to scoring, hitting the post with a long-range effort, but Arsenal remained in control.
Saka extended Arsenal’s lead in the 35th minute with a free-kick that curled into the net, catching Donnarumma off guard. The England forward’s delivery evaded everyone and nestled into the corner, capitalising on PSG’s well-known vulnerability from set-pieces.
Arsenal could have added more, with Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli coming close to increasing the lead. PSG had their chances too, with Joao Neves striking the bar, but Arsenal held firm to secure a crucial win on a rainy night in London.