CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 

ARSENAL 2 (Havertz 20, Saka 35)

 PSG 0

A REASSURINGLY solid and technically brilliant first half proved the difference for the Gunners as they overcame tough opposition with relative ease.

This was not the PSG of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, but still a top quality side that came to play at the Emirates.

Arsenal went in to the break two goals to the good after outclassing the visitors in every department.

The second 45 was a gritty affair notable for PSG’s ineffective possession and Merino’s debut, replacing Thomas Partey on the hour mark, and the absence of excellent Jurien Timber who came off injured at half time.

There were periods when PSG looked likely to score, but Arteta’s hyper-organised defence always looked good to see out the win.

After the game the manager said: “I think they wanted to prove a point tonight that against the top teams at home we can prove that we can be ourselves.”

The opener came from after some brilliant play from Leo Trossard who jinked past two midfielders and bent in a perfect cross for Kai Havertz to nod home.

The gangly front man was a handful all night in terms of holding up play, but did not get another shot at goal.

Captain fantastic Bukayo Saka made it two direct from a free kick over by the corner flag that he had won after being clattered unnecessarily by Mendes.

It was a cross, but the melee of bodies at the near post from the set piece routine deceived the PSG defenders and keeper.

PSG’s Mendes hit the post with a fantastic strike in the first half and Arsenal fans who have not quite got used to this solid and reliable performances would have been expecting at least one period of chaos in the tie.

But this side does not do chaotic finales.

Saka was unplayable in the first half – and unlucky not to score a screamer that flew past the top corner.

There was loud applause for Mikel Merino when he warmed up on the line, just as Mendes struck the post with a powerful shot that had Raya beat.

The warning signs were there, but Declan Rice and Partey were commanding in midfield.

Gabriel got a huge roar after shepherding out a PSG through ball for a goal kick and in the second half took no prisoners with a crunching tackle that had the crowd on its feet.

William Saliba was, as ever, confidently reliable and always one step ahead of the game.

Riccardo Calafiori was found wanting for pace a couple of times tracking back, and looked a yard off the pace.

It’s not yet clear when Ben White will return – but right now he feels a more accomplished player ready than the summer signing.

Jurien Timber however did not put a foot wrong and showed superb confidence and drive at right back – he looks an incredible addition to this already Grade A defence.

This team has muscle, and the fans love it.

But Timber was replaced at half time by Jakob Kiwior in what fans will be hoping was only a precaution.

Arteta said: “He was unbelievable in the first half but he felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain.

“He’s played more minutes than we would have wanted in the past few weeks and we have to manage him.”

New signing Merino got a massive roar when he replaced the excellent Partey for his Arsenal debut.

A giant of a man, he looks capable of slotting into this unit of a team.

But Arsenal did lose their way after he came on, and PSG looked likely to score during 15 minutes of pressure.

They hit the cross bar from a corner and could have easily grabbed one back had a few bounces in the box not gone the Gunners way.

Kiwior looked shaky, and not quite up to the high standard set by his teammates.

But he settled into the game and helped see out the win.

It is 30 years since the late Kevin Campbell scored the winner against PSG in the Cup Winners Cup semi final.

Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, Partey (Merino 63), Gabriel, Saka (Skell 88), Martinelli, Timber (Kiwior 45), Trossard (Jesus 74), Havertz, Calafiori Rice
Subs not used: Neto, Porter, Jorginho, Sterling, Oyedeji, Kacurri, Nwaneri, Robinson

PSG:  Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Doue (Muani 63), Vitinha (Ruiz 63), Lee, Mendes, Barcola, Emery, Pacho, Neves
Subs not used: Safonov, Tenas, Asensio, Mayulu, Beraldo, Skrinar, Zague, Hannah, Mbaye