After a close victory against Girona, at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain played their first big test of the season on Arsenal’s London pitch in order to confirm a second success in the league phase. However, after Dembélé was sidelined, Luis Enrique opted for a 4-3-3 with Doué, Barcola and Lee in attack, behind a trio of Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves. For its part, Arsenal, who must win after their draw against Atalanta (0-0), opted for a very classic 4-2-3-1.
And after an observational start to the match between two balanced teams, Arsenal shifted into second gear after a first strike from Saka (9th), and a big deflection from Hakimi in front of his goal (18th). But after a Parisian defensive wandering, Havertz was launched by Trossard and was able to take advantage of Donnarumma’s error to place his head and open the scoring (1-0, 20th). In offensive difficulty, PSG relied on its full-backs with a long shot from Mendes on the post (28th), then a shot from Hakimi deflected by Raya (31st).
A hand fault not whistled for PSG
But a free kick obtained stupidly and very poorly managed by the Parisian defense allowed Saka to make the break, also taking advantage of a too immobile placement from Donnarumma (2-0, 35th). And upon returning from the locker room, the Italian goalkeeper was, this time, very vigilant on his line, after a good recovery from Martinelli (52nd). But subsequently, Paris finally gained momentum and put pressure on the Gunners defense, like this deviation from Neves, who failed on Raya’s crossbar (66th), then decisive with a beautiful strike from Lee (69th).
The Parisians showed a much better appearance than in the first period, but had to be more effective offensively to disrupt the solid defense of the Gunners and above all avoid conceding chances too easily (74th). And after a hand from Calafiori in the Parisian area, judged unintentional by Mr. Vincic (79th), PSG therefore bowed for the first time of the season before going to challenge PSV and remained in the soft underbelly of the phase league. For its part, Arsenal pocketed three important points before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk and is provisionally in 7th place.
