Mikel Arteta named an unchanged lineup from Sunday’s thrilling last-minute victory against Leicester. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber passed late fitness tests, allowing them to start in the full-back positions. There was more positive news as Mikel Merino, who had been sidelined with a fractured shoulder since his summer transfer from Real Sociedad, made the bench for the first time.
Arsenal started the game strongly, pressing with determination. Their first notable chance came through Bukayo Saka, who shot just over the bar after a well-worked move between Gabriel Martinelli and Calafiori down the left flank. Despite Arsenal’s early dominance, PSG began to settle into the game, with Vitinha orchestrating play to slow down Arsenal’s momentum. However, the Gunners continued to create chances. Saka played a clever ball to Kai Havertz, who overlapped and sent a low cross into the box, but it went unmet.
After 20 minutes, Arsenal broke the deadlock. Leandro Trossard skillfully outmaneuvered Desire Doue before delivering a precise cross. Havertz met it bravely, outjumping PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to head the ball into the corner of the net, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. The connection between Trossard and Havertz was evident, as their fluid positional play between midfield and attack made it difficult for PSG to track their movements.
PSG’s first real opportunity came after half an hour. Nuno Mendes unleashed a powerful shot that clipped the post, and moments later, Achraf Hakimi broke free on the counter-attack, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into a save from a tight angle. However, it was Arsenal who doubled their lead soon after. Saka whipped in a dangerous cross aimed at several Arsenal players charging toward the near post, leaving Donnarumma unsure of how to react. The ball found its way into the back of the net, making it 2-0 to Arsenal.
Arsenal’s creativity from set-pieces was a standout feature of the first half, and despite PSG’s defensive struggles, the Gunners deserved credit for their inventive and varied attacking routines. They consistently looked dangerous from these situations, showcasing their growing tactical versatility game by game.