On October 1, 2024, Arsenal FC hosted Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium for a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage clash. After a draw in their first group game, the Gunners aimed to secure a victory at home against the French champions. Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the first half, while PSG struggled to break down Arsenal’s solid defense. The result? A comfortable 2-0 win for Arsenal, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, putting Arsenal in a strong position for knockout qualification.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between Arsenal and PSG have been closely contested. Prior to this meeting, the two sides had faced each other three times in the Champions League, resulting in two draws and one Arsenal victory. PSG, however, came into this match on the back of a solid domestic run, while Arsenal had shown strong form in the Premier League. Both teams were determined to gain an advantage in the group stage.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Lineups
Below listed are the Arsenal FC vs PSG actual lineups today (Oct 1, 2024)
Arsenal FC (4-4-2)
- GK: David Raya
- RB: Jurriën Timber
- CB: William Saliba
- CB: Gabriel Magalhães
- LB: Riccardo Calafiori
- RM: Bukayo Saka
- CM: Declan Rice
- CM: Thomas Partey
- LM: Gabriel Martinelli
- ST: Kai Havertz
- ST: Leandro Trossard
Substitutes:
Mikel Merino (introduced 63′), Gabriel Jesus, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior, Ethan Nwaneri.
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- RB: Achraf Hakimi
- CB: Marquinhos
- CB: Willian Pacho
- LB: Nuno Mendes
- CM: Vitinha
- CM: João Neves
- CM: Warren Zaïre-Emery
- RW: Bradley Barcola
- LW: Lee Kang-in
- ST: Désiré Doué
Substitutes:
Marco Asensio, Matvei Safonov, Lucas Beraldo, Milan Skriniar.
Arsenal FC vs PSG First Half
The game started with PSG applying early pressure, but Arsenal quickly settled and took control. In the 20th minute, Leandro Trossard delivered a sublime cross from the left wing, which found Kai Havertz in space. The German headed the ball past a helpless Donnarumma, making it 1-0 to Arsenal.
PSG, eager to respond, nearly equalized when Nuno Mendes’ powerful strike hit the post. However, Arsenal doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Bukayo Saka curled a free-kick into the penalty area, which evaded everyone and crept into the net. Donnarumma, caught off guard, was left red-faced as the ball nestled into the back of the net.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Second Half
The second half saw PSG push forward in search of a goal, with João Neves hitting the crossbar from close range. Despite PSG’s possession advantage, Arsenal’s defense remained resolute, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães putting in a stellar defensive shift.
Mikel Arteta introduced Mikel Merino in the 63rd minute, giving the summer signing his long-awaited debut. PSG had more shots but could not convert their chances. In the final moments, David Raya made crucial saves to deny Lee Kang-in and keep Arsenal’s clean sheet intact. The match ended 2-0 in favor of Arsenal.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Stats
| Arsenal FC vs PSG Stats | Arsenal | PSG |
| Possession | 35.3% | 64.7% |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 2 |
| Total Shots | 6 | 10 |
| Fouls | 8 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 5 |
| Saves | 2 | 3 |
Arsenal FC vs PSG Timeline
- 20’ – Goal! Leandro Trossard delivers a precise cross from the left, and Kai Havertz, timing his run perfectly, heads the ball into an open net. Arsenal 1-0 PSG.
- 35’ – Goal! Bukayo Saka takes a free-kick from wide on the right, and the ball mysteriously slips past all defenders and goalkeeper Donnarumma to double Arsenal’s lead. Arsenal 2-0 PSG.
- 45’ – Half Time: Arsenal in control with a 2-0 lead, as PSG fail to capitalize on their possession.
- 63’ – Substitution: Mikel Merino comes on for his Arsenal debut, replacing Thomas Partey.
- 80’ – Close! João Neves strikes the crossbar from close range, but PSG fail to break Arsenal’s defensive wall.
- 90+2’ – Full Time: Arsenal see out the victory, holding firm despite PSG’s late surge.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Impact on the Points Table
With this win, Arsenal moved up to 4 points in the UEFA Champions League group stage, positioning themselves in the top eight and boosting their chances for an automatic knockout spot. PSG, with 3 points from two games, will look to recover in their next fixture.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Player Achievements
- Arsenal FC vs PSG Man of the Match: Kai Havertz, for his decisive goal and tireless work rate in both attack and defense.
- Notable Performances:
- Bukayo Saka: Scored a crucial second goal and was dangerous on the right wing throughout the game.
- William Saliba: Solid at the back, keeping PSG’s forwards in check.
Arsenal FC vs PSG Commentary in UCL 2024-25
Full-Time: Arsenal 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain. A resilient defensive performance from Arsenal secures a crucial victory over a star-studded PSG side.
90’+5′: The match concludes.
90’+4′: Foul by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
90’+3′: Corner for PSG.
90’+2′: Substitution for Arsenal. Myles Lewis-Skelly replaces Bukayo Saka.
90′: Four minutes of added time.
90′: Kai Havertz wins a free kick.
90′: Achraf Hakimi’s shot misses the target.
87′: Kai Havertz wins a free kick.
85′: Marquinhos’ header goes over the bar.
84′: Corner for PSG.
83′: João Neves wins a free kick.
78′: Mikel Merino wins a free kick.
76′: Riccardo Calafiori and Fabián Ruiz receive yellow cards.
75′: Gabriel Martinelli’s shot is saved.
74′: Substitution for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus replaces Leandro Trossard.
73′: Willian Pacho wins a free kick.
68′: Lee Kang-In’s shot is saved.
67′: Fabián Ruiz’s shot goes over the bar.
66′: João Neves hits the crossbar.
66′: Corner for PSG.
64′: Substitutions for Arsenal and PSG. Mikel Merino replaces Thomas Partey, Fabián Ruiz replaces Vitinha, and Randal Kolo Muani replaces Désiré Doué.
63′: Marquinhos’ shot is blocked.
58′: Kai Havertz’s header is saved.
55′: Corner for Arsenal.
54′: Leandro Trossard wins a free kick.
52′: Gabriel Martinelli’s shot is saved.
50′: Handball by Bukayo Saka.
48′: Vitinha wins a free kick.
45′: Substitution for Arsenal. Jakub Kiwior replaces Jurriën Timber.
45′: Second half begins.
45’+2′: First half ends.
45′: One minute of added time.
42′: Bukayo Saka wins a free kick.
40′: Offside for Arsenal.
38′: Offside for Arsenal.
35′: Goal! Bukayo Saka scores a stunning free-kick. Arsenal leads 2-0.
34′: Bukayo Saka wins a free kick.
31′: Corner for PSG.
31′: Achraf Hakimi’s shot is saved.
28′: Nuno Mendes hits the post.
25′: Leandro Trossard wins a free kick.
20′: Goal! Kai Havertz heads home a cross from Leandro Trossard. Arsenal takes the lead.
17′: Warren Zaïre-Emery wins a free kick.
16′: Nuno Mendes wins a free kick.
16′: Foul by Bukayo Saka.
12′: Offside for PSG.
10′: Nuno Mendes’ shot misses the target.
10′: João Neves’ header misses the target.
10′: Corner for PSG.
9′: Bukayo Saka’s shot misses the target.
6′: Leandro Trossard wins a free kick.
5′: Delay in the match.
3′: Delay in the match due to injuries.
3′: Gianluigi Donnarumma wins a free kick.
2′: Offside for Arsenal.
First Half Begins.
Arsenal FC’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium sent a message to the rest of Europe that they are serious contenders in the UEFA Champions League. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were the stars of the evening, and Arsenal’s defense, led by William Saliba, was nearly impenetrable. This win sets Arsenal on the path to knockout qualification, while PSG will need to regroup and push for a stronger performance in their upcoming matches.
FAQs
- Who scored the goals in Arsenal vs PSG UCL 2024-25?
Kai Havertz scored the opener in the 20th minute, and Bukayo Saka added a second goal in the 35th minute. - How did Arsenal perform defensively in the Arsenal FC vs PSG in UCL 2024-25?
Arsenal’s defense was rock-solid, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães leading the backline. David Raya made several crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet. - What impact does this Arsenal FC vs PSG in UCL 2024-25 win have on the UCL group standings?
The win lifted Arsenal to 4 points, placing them in the top eight and enhancing their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. PSG remains on 3 points after this loss. - Who was the Man of the Match in the Arsenal FC vs PSG in UCL 2024-25?
Kai Havertz earned the Man of the Match award for his excellent performance, including scoring the opening goal.
