Arsenal affirm European credentials with biggest scalp since return to Champions League

Last season, Arsenal proved they belonged on European football’s grandest platform.

This season might be the year Arsenal proves they can compete for the Champions League title. Mikel Arteta has created something unique at the Emirates, transforming Arsenal into Premier League championship contenders in his five years in command.

And it felt like their greatest European scalp since returning to the Champions League, as they brushed aside Paris Saint Germain with a mature, controlled display.

After a six-year absence, the Gunners advanced to the quarterfinals last season, but were eliminated by Bayern Munich after defeating Porto, Lens, PSV Eindhoven, and Sevilla.

However, Arsenal should be brimming with confidence and enthusiasm after dispatching a true European heavyweight. Kai Havertz started the scoring with his fifth goal of the season, and stand-in captain Bukayo Saka sealed it with a free kick, highlighting PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s fragility at set pieces.

Although Gabriel Martinelli was twice stopped by Donnarumma, Arsenal’s victory was attributed to their strong defense and ability to withstand pressure, rather than chasing additional goals.

That demonstrated a degree of knowledge and conviction that may have been lacking last season, given how many of Arteta’s players are still relative newbies in this tournament. It’s still difficult to tell where anyone stands in this new Champions League format, but this is, on paper, the most difficult home game, and they already have four points from two games following last month’s draw against Atalanta.Whatever the setup, Arsenal is in a good position in both the Premier League and the Champions League, with Shakhtar Donetsk coming to the Emirates later this month. PSG is no longer a squad full of superstars, but they still have a presence that can terrify opponents. Arsenal, however, showed no signs of this. In fact, they dominated PSG.

The eager home supporters didn’t have to wait long for the opening. It arrived in the 20th minute because to an excellent link-up between Havertz and Leandro Trossard, who started up front together. With mischievous excitement, Trossard curled a wonderful ball into the box, Havertz beat PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma to the punch, and the Germany striker headed into an empty net.

Arsenal had a great start. Incredibly, it was Arsenal’s 450th goal in 241 matches under Arteta’s leadership in nearly five years. What a journey it has been to return to the pinnacle of European football. PSG did not give up and battled back with Nuno Mendes’ 20-yard attempt hitting the outside of a post and Achraf Hakimi’s near-post effort wonderfully stopped by Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.But Arsenal discovered another gear. Saka took a free kick from the right; the England winger’s low ball went through a sea of legs, fooling Donnarumma and flying into the goal.

Jurrien Timber was replaced at halftime by Jakub Kiwior, with Riccardo Calafiori going to right back, which was concerning for Arsenal. At least Arsenal now has true depth. Summer signing Mikel Merino made his debut as a substitute soon after the hour, emphasising this point. The Spain midfielder received an enthusiastic welcome.

Despite PSG pressure, which saw Lee Kang-in strike the crossbar, Arsenal ended up comfortably ahead. And it demonstrates that they belong in this firm.