It felt as though Arsenal had been in this situation before, as they found themselves ahead 2-0 for the second time in three days against a blue team after a relatively uneventful first half.
Although they have previously built three-goal leads, they often struggled to maintain them. However, this time, it wasn’t easy for their opponents to stage a comeback.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) posed a much tougher challenge than Leicester, providing Arsenal with more to contend with in the second half.
Yet, the Gunners appeared determined to avoid any drama this time around.
Looking back to last season, Arsenal’s fortunes in Europe have changed significantly.
Previously, they seemed lost on the big stage, but now they appear confident and eager to demonstrate their capabilities.
Manager Mikel Arteta reflected on this transformation, stating, “I felt something different in how we prepared for the game and how focused we were.
The players wanted to make a point tonight. We can be ourselves and dominate at home against top teams. Our task is to keep this momentum going.”
After the match, Bukayo Saka expressed his belief that this could be Arsenal’s year to win the title, a sentiment that seems justified given their performance against formidable opponents.
On another note, Mikel Merino’s debut for Arsenal was notable.
It took some time for the Spanish midfielder to transition from Real Sociedad, but he finally made his first appearance recently.
Upon entering the pitch, his imposing physical presence was immediately noticeable.
Merino quickly took charge, offering directions to teammate Riccardo Calafiori, showcasing his leadership qualities.
Internally, Merino is regarded as a “win now” acquisition, exuding confidence that should facilitate his rapid adaptation.
Arteta praised his readiness despite having trained with the team only once before the match, stating, “He was eager to be part of the team today. We believed he could help us, and he did a fantastic job.”
During the game, Arsenal utilized a 4-4-2 formation without the ball, allowing Merino and Declan Rice to form a classic midfield partnership.
When in possession, they advanced further upfield.
While Merino showed moments of skill, he wasn’t as precise with his passing just yet, which is something Arsenal hopes to refine.
Later in the game, he demonstrated his tenacity with a well-timed sliding tackle, earning him praise from the home fans.
This performance marked a solid start for the new addition to the squad.
As for Kai Havertz, things are looking up for him following his goal against PSG, which was part of a well-executed plan, although the manner of his scoring was somewhat fortuitous.
His combination with Leandro Trossard, whose run and cross were expertly timed, culminated in a powerful header from Havertz, extending his impressive goal streak at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta commended Havertz, highlighting his strength and intelligence on the field, noting, “He knows how to fill spaces and link play. When he gets close to the box, you can expect him to score.”
Overall, it was a fantastic effort from Havertz, and his goal was a testament to his capabilities.
Havertz appears to be embracing the physicality of playing as a striker, a role he previously seemed hesitant to engage in.
He remarked, “It’s fantastic to play here. I’m grateful to contribute to the team.
I love this stadium and the fans. Moving here was a significant step for me. I didn’t always enjoy duels as a player, but now I do.”
The most positive takeaway regarding Havertz is that discussions about Arsenal needing a new striker seem to have diminished, suggesting he may be the solution they’ve been seeking.
