Arsenal got their Champions League campaign off to a good start, courtesy of a precious 1-1 in Paris. However, the Gunners were fortunate to get anything out of the game against a PSG side who, but for some dismal finishing from Edinson Cavani, would have won comfortably.
Arsene Wenger left Granit Xhaka, Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez on the bench while David Ospina started between the posts.
However, the Premier League side got off to a nightmare start, with the superb Serge Aurier setting up Cavani, who headed home after just 42 seconds (the fastest Champions League goal Arsenal have ever conceded).
Cavani’s header for #PSG is the earliest goal Arsenal have conceded in Champions League. #AFC pic.twitter.com/n3dZ2mqRpv
— AFCPressWatch© (@AFCPressWatch) September 13, 2016
After that, it was all PSG, with Arsenal struggling to cope with Aurier on the right flank as well as the movement of Cavani. While up front, Alexis Sanchez struggled up against Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.
While eyebrows were raised by the inclusion of Ospina, the Colombian was superb throughout, keeping the Gunners in the game on more than one occasion. Although Arsenal fans will thank Cavani even more for such a wasteful display.
After the break, a reorganised Arsenal settled, although PSG were still dangerous.
The introduction of Giroud on 63 minutes (on for the predictably disappointing Alex Olxlade-Chamberlain), finally gave the visitors a focal point up front while Xhaka then came on for the excellent Francis Coquelin.
Then, on 77 minutes, the previously quiet Mesut Ozil picked out the impressive Alex Iwobi in the box with a bullet pass. When Iwobi’s shot was saved, the rebound fell to Sanchez, who fired home a vital equaliser.
Alexis Sanchez goal vs PSG (16/17) pic.twitter.com/Q828cs9vxg
— Best Arsenal Goals (@BestAFCGoals) September 13, 2016
Late on, both Giroud and Marco Veratti were shown second yellows for some off the ball shenanigans, but overall it was a fine night for Arsenal who, despite a patchy display, pick up a very very handy point indeed.
Video: Giroud’s off-the-ball altercation with Verratti late on. [@ParisNoLimit] #afc pic.twitter.com/UYQ5pqxI2z
— Arsenal TSN (@afcTSN) September 13, 2016
Highlights…
(Highlights: Footytube)