Arsenal continued their impressive start to the Champions League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium. The win underscored the Gunners’ growing squad depth and the resurgence of Kai Havertz, who once again proved his worth as Mikel Arteta’s side remains unbeaten in the competition.
Havertz Leading the Charge
Kai Havertz was a standout performer, opening the scoring in the 20th minute after capitalizing on a misjudgment by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Leandro Trossard delivered a precise cross, and Havertz, with his signature movement, was in the right place to head the ball into an empty net. This marked Havertz’s fifth goal in nine appearances, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Havertz’s form has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season, solidifying his position as the team’s striker. Arteta’s faith in Havertz, despite summer speculation linking Arsenal with other strikers like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, appears to be paying off. Arteta praised the German international for his football intelligence and work ethic, noting that Havertz has become a “real threat” whenever he’s in the box.
Odegaard’s Absence No Longer a Concern
The absence of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined by an ankle injury, has not hindered the team’s progress. This victory marked the sixth game without Odegaard, and Arsenal has yet to suffer a defeat in his absence. Thomas Partey has stepped up in midfield, forming a strong partnership with Declan Rice, which has allowed Arsenal to dominate key fixtures, including their draw with Atalanta and their recent triumph over PSG.
Arteta’s ability to rotate his squad and maintain performance levels highlights Arsenal’s growing strength in depth, a key factor in their unbeaten run across all competitions.
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PSG’s Struggles and Donnarumma’s Disappointment
PSG, meanwhile, failed to pose a significant threat despite periods of pressure in the second half. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s mistakes were a major factor in their downfall. In addition to misjudging Trossard’s cross for Havertz’s opener, the Italian goalkeeper was beaten again in the 35th minute when Bukayo Saka’s free kick flew past him at the near post.
This is not the first time Donnarumma has struggled in key moments on the European stage. His performance raises questions about whether PSG can rely on him to lead them to Champions League success.
Arsenal’s Versatility Shines
Arsenal’s ability to adapt was on full display as Riccardo Calafiori impressed once again. The 22-year-old Italian defender, who joined the Gunners this summer, was a key figure in shutting down PSG’s attacks, showing versatility by switching between left-back and right-back positions. His composure and physicality have made him an integral part of Arteta’s defense.
Calafiori’s presence, along with the continued development of Havertz and the resilience of the midfield, points to a bright future for Arsenal, who now sit comfortably in the top eight of the Champions League standings, on course for a place in the round of 16.
Havertz’s Rise in Premier League Striker Rankings
Kai Havertz’s recent form has drawn comparisons with some of the Premier League’s top strikers. His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes place him in elite company, behind only the likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. This stat highlights Havertz’s growing influence as a key offensive player for Arsenal.
| Player | Expected Goals per 90 Minutes | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | 1.04 | 539 |
| Mohamed Salah | 0.66 | 533 |
| Cole Palmer | 0.65 | 506 |
| Kai Havertz | 0.60 | 540 |
| Chris Wood | 0.44 | 480 |
| Danny Welbeck | 0.42 | 510 |
Havertz may not be at Haaland’s level yet, but his ability to contribute across different facets of play is becoming invaluable to Arsenal’s push for both domestic and European success.
The Road Ahead
While PSG will need to regroup and avoid further slip-ups to secure their place in the knockout stages, Arsenal’s dominant performance signals their intent to challenge for silverware this season. With Havertz in top form and the team demonstrating its depth, Arteta’s men are proving they are more than capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
As Arsenal’s unbeaten streak continues, all eyes will be on their next fixtures, where they will look to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
