Arsenal played out a nervewracking 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain to open their Champions League account. Here are the match highlights and analysis.
The result is all that matters. That old adage is often spouted after sides struggle to a win or rescue a point with a late goal. However, it is nevertheless wholly true, as Arsenal found out once more on Tuesday night.
Paris Saint-Germain were utterly fantastic. That much must be said. The French champions were fluid in midfield, solid at the back and dangerous in attacking areas and the Gunners started terribly, conceding the first goal after only 42 seconds.
Cavani's header for #PSG is the earliest goal Arsenal have conceded in Champions League. #AFC pic.twitter.com/n3dZ2mqRpv
— AFCPressWatch© (@AFCPressWatch) September 13, 2016
Serge Aurier, a continual menace as a marauding right-back slipped in behind Laurent Koscielny who had been pulled out of position, whipped in a delicious cross that Edinson Cavani duly converted with a bullet header. The rest of the first half saw PSG dominate the game, but thanks to Cavani being far less effective with his feet than with his head, the game entered the half at 1-0.
https://t.co/0tm5D2FxfE RT @AlexTruica: And since I know you're all craving to see Cavani's miss too, here, enjoy: pic.twitter.com/Xjkc5C83Ur
— Joey (@Estadox) September 13, 2016
In the second half, Arsenal recovered slightly. Enjoying a greater share of possession with PSG seemingly dropping off the pace a little. Santi Cazorla was allowed more space with the ball, Alexis Sanchez had more influence on the game and eventually, after a series of crucial Cavani misses and David Ospina saves, the Chilean equalised for the Gunners with a scuffed effort.
Dave Ospina's save against Cavani. pic.twitter.com/DeYCYsrG3o
— AFCPressWatch© (@AFCPressWatch) September 13, 2016
Here's the Sanchez goal for your pleasure: https://t.co/4CH3E3gAn9
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 13, 2016
The match ended in a confusing manner with both Marco Verratti, who was exceptional as the midfield maestro, orchestrating a terrific team performance, and Olivier Giroud, the man who was subbed on to provide a much needed physical presence in attacking areas, both being sent off for some sort of clash. Television pictures have yet to pick up in detail on the event, but clearly the referee saw something warranting of two sendings off. On the whole, this match has ended in very similar fashion to the weekend win over Southampton. The performance was poor, but the result was fantastic.
A draw against a good PSG side away from home is an excellent point for Arsene Wenger’s men to take home, and while questions will need to be asked of Le Prof’s set up, especially in the first half, ultimately, it is the result that matters.
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