Edinson Cavani’s goal inside a minute was not enough for Paris Saint-Germain as Alexis Sanchez’s equaliser earned Arsenal a 1-1 at Parc des Princes.
The Uruguayan striker scored after just 42 seconds, but Arsenal’s own South American equalised, overcoming a poor first half, and did so despite never really gaining a strong foothold in the game.
A case of what could have been for Cavani and PSG
PSG’s No.9 got them off to a flyer with a goal inside a minute and it looked like the hosts would put the game to bed.
The French outfit squandered chance after chance, while Arsenal couldn’t muster a shot on target in the first half. Serge Aurier tore Arsenal apart from the right, owing in part to Alex Iwobi’s lack of support for Arsenal’s left back, Nacho Monreal. Adrien Rabiot and Angel Di Maria also tormented the North Londoners.
Cavani will be disappointed with his performance despite scoring – the Uruguayan somehow managed to miss an open goal and lost his balance at the crucial moment when put through by Di Maria. The misses proved vital as Sanchez found an equaliser.
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Wenger’s shoddy team selection
New signings Granit Xhaka, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud were all benched as Sanchez, yet again was put upfront by Arsene Wenger, despite his unimpressive displays in that position so far this season.
Alexis often drifted wide or dropped deeper to receive the ball, restricting the creativity of Arsenal’s packed midfield. Positioning was all over the place as Francis Coquelin, who is known for his defensive role, often found himself at the end of final balls. Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put in mediocre performances, too, with loose showings in possession.
A match defined by individual contributions
This game was influenced by some standout individual performances rather than a team effort.
Marquinhos was immense for the hosts, helped greatly by Blaise Matuidi as well, breaking up play with ease and starting counter attacks for the home side. So too, with Aurier, who put in a brilliant display on the right, got an assist and was a constant nuisance to Arsenal.
There were raised eyebrows and immediate references to last season’s Champions League opener when David Ospina’s name appeared on the team sheet. But a man of the match display, with numerous top class saves to earn his side a vital point justified his selection.
The Gunners were underwhelming more most part of this contest, but their fans can feel better by the displays of their new signing Shkodran Mustafi and the aforementioned Ospina.
Although both teams are favourites for the top spot in Group A, this result will encourage Arsenal.
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