More developed

This game had an unsettling familiarity for Arsenal. They were ahead 2-0 for the second time in three days, despite barely exerting any effort in the first forty-five minutes against a blue-clad team.

They failed to take a three-goal lead that would have ended the game once more. But this time, their visitors had no simple way to get back into the game.

PSG is a vastly superior opponent then Leicester, and they gave Arsenal a lot more of a contest in the second half. However, it seems that the Gunners were trying to minimise the drama this time around.

Not only is it a significant shift from this past weekend, but also from Arsenal’s season in Europe last year. They saw a team that was unsophisticated on the big stage the previous year. They appear wiser this time around and are eager to demonstrate it.

Following the victory, Mikel Arteta remarked of his team, “I sensed something different yesterday as well in the way we were preparing the game and how they wanted the level of focus.” “I believe they also wanted to demonstrate tonight that, even at home, against a top club, we are capable of being ourselves and really dominant. That is something we must keep doing.”

After the match, Bukayo Saka declared his belief that Arsenal would win the Premier League this year. It is hard to criticise him for confident performances like this against elite opposition.

Merino first appearance

We had to wait a bit longer for Mikel Merino’s debut, which felt appropriate given that his transfer from Real Sociedad seemed to take forever. After the strangest of ailments during his first training session, the Spaniard was able to make his debut on Tuesday night.

Merino’s size is the first thing you notice about him as he enters the pitch. What a mountain the man is. He also appears to have a similar personality. Shortly after his introduction, the 28-year-old Riccardo Calafiori was following orders with precision.

Internally, Merino is seen as a “win now” signing. He is confident in both his abilities as a player and himself, which ought to help him catch up more quickly. Arteta is certain he can.

“He was ready after just one session with us [before tonight],” the boss of Arsenal stated regarding their summer acquisition. “He genuinely wanted to participate in today’s events. We thought he was a player who could support us during that phase given the injuries and the adjustments we had to make. He’s done pretty well, in my opinion.”

When Arsenal assumed a 4-4-2 out of possession, Merino and Rice formed a classic midfield partnership, playing slightly advanced when the Gunners had the ball. Though Merino may not have displayed the technical security and passing dexterity that Arsenal is looking for just yet, he did display the quality for which he is most known: his ability to engage in a duel.

There was a particularly meaty sliding challenge later on that was appropriate for the stormy weather that day. The Spaniard’s physicality thrilled the home crowd. Good beginning for the new guy.

Havertz at the top

Kai Havertz currently has an air of inevitableness about it. There may have been a touch of fortune about the way he scored on Saturday, but his goal against PSG was completely by design.

Leandro Trossard’s surge up the pitch and timing of the cross was sublime, but Havertz’s thrusting run and clever headed finish was even better. It’s the sixth time in a row that he has scored at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta was delighted.

“So powerful, but as well he’s so intelligent,” the Spaniard said of his centre-forward. “The way he occupies the spaces, the way he glides everything together. Now when he’s around the box and you have the feeling he’s going to score a goal. The goal was superb and overall a really good performance. So really pleased with him.”

Havertz himself seems to be really relishing the physical part of being a No.9. Back in the day he seemed a player who was hesitant to engage in the duel. Now, by his own admission, it couldn’t be more different.

“It feels great to play here,” the German said. “I love this stadium and the fans and I am so thankful to play here and help the team. Coming here was a big step for me. Back in the day I wasn’t always a player who loved the duels but now I love it.”

The biggest compliment we can give Havertz is that the conversations about Arsenal needing a new striker seemed to have stopped for now. The German appears to be the answer.