Arsenal will have to come from behind against Paris-Saint Germain next week after a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg. The game was just three minutes old when Ousmane Dembele finished brilliantly from the edge of the area after being teed up by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Moments after half-time, Mikel Merino headed in from a Declan Rice free-kick but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out. Leandro Trossard also forced a brilliant save out of Gianluigi Donnarumma as the Gunners tried to press for an equalier. However, it could have got worse late on as Bradley Barcola skewed a shot wide for the visitors with the goal at his mercy and Goncalo Ramos hit the bar.
Express Sport brings you the player ratings for Mikel Arteta’s side…
Arsenal player ratings vs PSG (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
Could do liitle about Dembele’s whipped low finish which cannoned in off the post. Got down low to make a superb save before the break from Desire Doue and his distribution was good.
Jurrien Timber: 5
Was given the runaround by Kvaratskhelia and wasn’t close enought to the winger for the goal. Fortunate not to give away a penalty after bringing him the Georgian and a series of fouls went unpunished.
William Saliba: 8
Made it his business to take care of Dembele when Arsenal were in danger of being overrun early on. Timed one sliding challenge to perfection in the second half when Achraf Hakimi looked set to score.
Jakub Kiwior: 6
Another guilty of not getting tight enough in the early stages. Impoved as Arsenal settled but looked vulnerable when PSG broke forward at pace.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7
Struggled defensively early on as Hakimi roamed forward. Didn’t hide though, and one strong run and through ball created a great chance for Martinelli to level matters.
Mikel Merino: 7
Was slow to track back for the opening goal as Thomas Partey’s late booking in Madrid immediately proved costly. Became more influential as the contest wore on though. Had a goal ruled out and frequently got on the ball as Arsenal pushed forward in the latter stages.
Martin Odegaard: 5
On a night his team needed him to stand up and be counted, he didn’t. Failed to cause PSG problems with his set-piece deliveries and his final ball was consistently poor. Fortunate in the second half after being dispossessed on the edge of his own area.
Declan Rice: 7
Was seen rallying his team in the pre-match huddle but couldn’t exert the same as influence as he did against Real Madrid. Distributed well and one superb delivery led to Merino’s disallowed goal, and his through ball also led to Trossard going close.
Bukayo Saka: 6
One great run and cross in the first half just evaded Martinelli but a frustrating night for him. Couldn’t break loose and his temper boiled over when he was booked for kicking the ball away.
Leandro Trossard: 7
Booked needlessly early on after taking down Hakimi but came into the contest as the game wore on. Caused problems and came so close to an equaliser, his left foot shot brilliantly tipped away by Donnarumma.
Gabriel Martinelli: 6
Had a big chance before the break but was thwarted by Donnarumma’s low save. Worked hard throughout but they are the kind of moments Arsenal have to seize in the second leg.
Subs:
Ben White (for Timber, 83) 6
Did what he had to after coming on with one routine clearance. Given Timber’s display, surely a contender to start next week.
Ethan Nwaneri (for Odegaard, 91) N/A