Arsenal player ratings vs PSG as Havertz and Saliba shine while Merino makes debut

Arsenal player ratings vs PSG as Havertz and Saliba shine while Merino makes debut takes a look at how the Gunners got on in their Champions League league phase clash with Paris Saint-Germain with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka

Kai Havertz and William Saliba were impressive as Arsenal beat PSG in the Champions League.

Arsenal got off to a fine start in this heavyweight clash, and edged in front when Kai Havertz headed home Leandro Trossard’s cross. They were able to double the lead when Bukayo Saka’s wide free kick bounced all the way through the Paris Saint-Germain defence and beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It appeared as though the Gunners would then cruise to victory but PSG grew into it in the second half. Joao Neves hit the bar before Kang In-Lee’s effort from distance troubled David Raya.

Ultimately the Gunners rear guard held strong to secure a comfortable three points against top class opposition. Here’s how football.london rated the Arsenal players individually in the game.

David Raya: Was caught out by Kang-In Lee’s long range effort. Then struggled when sweeping to give PSG a dangerous attacking chance. Decent aside from that. 6.

Jurrien Timber: Bullied Barcola out of the game for much of it. So strong in the tackle and comfortable in possession. Arsenal will hope his half time withdrawal is not injury related. 8.

William Saliba: Switched on throughout and was adept as Arsenal had to do a bit more defending in the second half. His interception to cut out a counterattack late on was a highlight. 8.

Gabriel: Seemed to really relish the prospect of defending against this top calibre opposition. Was playing to the crowd and keeping his teammates focused till the very last. 7.

Riccardo Calafiori: Popped up in all manner of positions while playing that freer left back role. A bit more disciplined over on the right in the second. Solid Champions League outing for the Italian. 7.

Thomas Partey: Seemed to thrive in the slightly slower tempo of game that PSG presented. Played balls from deep with class and broke up play nicely. 7.

Declan Rice: Ate up the ground with some superb rangey dribbles from deep. Showed good quality on the ball amid the PSG high press. 7.

Bukayo Saka: Finally broke Arsenal’s run of not scoring from a direct free kick. Definitely meant it… A solid performance off the ball aside from that and good quality on it. 7.

Gabriel Martinelli: A game of moments for the Brazilian. Looked to build on his goal and assist from the weekend but couldn’t manage it despite some presentable opportunities. Great off the ball though. 7.

Leandro Trossard: Another goal contribution from the Belgian. His run and cross to create Kai Havertz’s goal was superb. A real asset for Arsenal they continue to cope without Martin Odegaard. 8.

Kai Havertz: A great centre-forward’s goal from the German who rose above the sizeable Donnarumma to produce a really clever header. Relished in the physical duel and battle with the PSG defence. 8.

SUBSTITUTES –

Jakub Kiwior: Solid enough after coming on at left-back, particularly when defending Hakimi. Not always the most accomplished in possession though. 6.

Mikel Merino: The first thing you notice about the Spaniard is the sheer size of the man. Was ready to receive at all times but not always the most secure in his touch. Can’t blame him too much after nearly three months without football, though. 6.

Gabriel Jesus: Worked hard up front and gave Arsenal a release valve from the PSG pressure. Didn’t look like a major threat after coming on though. 6.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.