First-half goals by Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal seal a 2-0 home victory against Paris Saint-Germain to kickstart their Champions League campaign on Tuesday in a game that saw summer signing Mikel Merino make his debut.
After drawing away to Italian side Atalanta in their opening game the onus was on Mikel Arteta’s side to deliver a win and they were impressive against the French champions.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The in-form Havertz headed his side in front after 20 minutes from Leandro Trossard‘s teasing cross and Saka put Arsenal in complete control 15 minutes later when his free kick somehow found its way into the net.
PSG, who won their opening game against Girona, struck the woodwork in each half and played with more urgency after the interval but could have few complaints about the outcome.
Arsenal’s comfortable position in the game allowed Arteta to bring Merino on after 63 minutes for his debut. The Spain international suffered a fractured shoulder in his first training session after completing his move from Real Sociedad.
Victory propelled Arsenal into the top eight of the new 36-team league phase with their next match at home to Shakhtar Dontetsk after the international break. PSG are up against PSV Eindhoven in their next match.
