PSG vs. Arsenal: Score and Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match
Arsenal grabbed a late goal away to Paris Saint-Germain in Group A of the 2016 UEFA Champions League after the hosts dominated the majority of the 1-1 contest at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Edinson Cavani opened the scoring in the opening minute as Arsenal's defence were caught napping. However, Alexis Sanchez emerged as the Gunners' hero as they snatched a point when defeat appeared likely.
PSG missed a number of great chances during the encounter as the Gunners struggled to cope in defence.
Blaise Matuidi was deployed in an unfamiliar left-wing role for PSG, combining with Angel Di Maria to flank Cavani, who claimed the striker's position.
Arsenal No. 1 Petr Cech dropped to the bench for the English giants as Arsene Wenger picked David Ospina to start. Sanchez led the line for the Gunners, selected ahead of both Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud.
It was the perfect start for the hosts as Uruguay international Cavani headed a shock early goal after Serge Aurier's cross was met by the striker after just 44 seconds.
The Premier League team failed to react as PSG burst forward, and they were given the ultimate punishment as they fell behind early on.
Agence France-Presse's Tom Williams called the action as Wenger's men collapsed in defence:
Arsenal were in disarray as the Parisians poured forward searching to double their lead, and Cavani looked menacing each time he picked up the ball as Di Maria provided excellent width.
The Argentina international should have made it 2-0 after blowing a strong chance, but the Gunners survived as they played a game of damage limitation.
Cavani missed an open goal as he strolled around Ospina, but the Uruguayan fluffed his lines as he slotted wide.
PSG continued to get bodies forward as the north Londoners weathered the storm, but they were second-best in every department as they played a ponderous match.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand wasn't impressed by Arsenal's performance:
Cavani once again spurned a gilt-edged opportunity, chesting the ball down and missing a half-volley chance, and the Gunners appeared relieved to hear the referee's whistle for half-time.
Squawka highlighted Arsenal's inadequacies:
WhoScored.com provided the vital statistics during the interval, including player ratings:
Journalist and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was in awe of the goalscorer as the two sides emerged for the second half:
Encouraging early signs were present for the visitors after the restart, as the Gunners found their passing and a better rhythm.
There was clearly more intent from Wenger's men, who appeared motivated in the key midfield positions.
However, Arsenal were almost caught cold on the counter-attack as Di Maria burst through the back line, but the winger lost his composure when he only had to beat the goalkeeper.
Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC called the action as PSG struggled to match their earlier efforts:
The Gunners were much better at looking after the ball as the game reached the hour mark, but PSG always looked dangerous on the break, sitting deep to exploit Arsenal's suspect defence.
The visiting side hunted in packs as they searched for an equalising goal, but the congestion in the French team's box was stifling.
Ospina kept his team in the match with 20 minutes remaining, first denying Cavani once again as the striker failed with a simple opportunity and then tipping over a rasping shot from Di Maria.
Arsenal finally got their big chance of the match with 12 minutes remaining, as Sanchez found the back of the net with an expert drive. The ball rebounded in the PSG penalty area and fell kindly to the Chilean, who finished with aplomb.
The hosts almost reclaimed the lead immediately as Cavani was again denied by the brilliant Ospina, who fully justified his selection ahead of Cech.
PSG remained frustrated in the final moments—in a match they should have wrapped up in the first half.
Marco Verratti and Giroud both saw red in injury time, when the referee punished the pair for a late altercation on the touchline.
The point was a bonus for Arsenal, who were poor throughout the game but rallied late on to claim a precious result.
Post-Match Reaction
Wenger was perplexed after the game following Giroud's late dismissal and said he would like to see the incident again before passing judgement, according to BT Sport Football:
All four teams in Group A have a solitary point after Arsenal drew with PSG, and FC Basel drew 1-1 with PFC Ludogorets Razgrad.
.jpg?w=600 "Manning Asked Mendoza to Attend Draft")
.png?w=600 "Top 300 Prospects 📊")
.jpg?w=600 "Report: Pickens Signing Tag")