The highly anticipated clash between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League showcased a battle between two European heavyweights. Arsenal emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 win, but beyond the scoreline, the match was filled with statistics that reflected the teams’ performances in various aspects of the game. This article takes a deep dive into the stats from the match, comparing key metrics, individual performances, and overall trends.
Key Match Stats
The final scoreline of 2-0 in favor of Arsenal tells a tale of dominance, but the statistics reveal an even more detailed picture.
Shots and Shots on Target:
Arsenal: 7 shots, 5 on target.
PSG: 10 shots, 2 on target.
Arsenal had a higher conversion rate with 5 shots on target from 7 attempts, showing clinical efficiency. In contrast, PSG struggled to get past Arsenal’s defense and were only able to test goalkeeper David Raya with two of their ten attempts
Possession:
Arsenal: 38%
PSG: 62%
PSG enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, with 62%, but they were unable to make it count. Despite having more of the ball, PSG struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense, which was structured and disciplined throughout the match
Passing and Passing Accuracy:
Arsenal: 358 passes.
PSG: 663 passes.
PSG’s dominance in possession translated into a significant advantage in passing. They completed 663 passes compared to Arsenal’s 358. However, Arsenal’s defense was resilient, and they were able to block and intercept passes effectively. The disparity in passing numbers highlights PSG’s inability to create clear-cut chances despite controlling the ball
Corners:
Arsenal: 1 corner.
PSG: 5 corners.
PSG had the upper hand in set-piece situations, earning five corners compared to Arsenal’s solitary one. Yet, PSG was unable to capitalize on these opportunities, reflecting their inefficiency in converting possession into tangible chances
Fouls and Discipline:
Arsenal: 8 fouls, 1 yellow card.
PSG: 8 fouls, 1 yellow card.
Both teams showed similar discipline, with 8 fouls each. However, there was little sign of physicality overwhelming the game, suggesting a relatively calm match in terms of defensive fouls.
Notable Players and Contributions
The standout performances from the match were primarily from the two goalscorers, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. Havertz opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while Saka doubled the lead in the 35th. Both players were instrumental in ensuring Arsenal’s control over the match. Despite limited chances, PSG had a few near-misses, including a shot that hit the crossbar from Joao Neves
Arsenal’s Defensive Resilience: Arsenal’s defense was particularly effective in neutralizing PSG’s offensive threats. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, along with full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, ensured that PSG’s attacking threats like Kylian Mbappé and Lee Kang-in were well-managed. Their ability to shut down PSG’s attacks was a key reason behind the Gunners’ clean sheet
PSG’s Offensive Struggles: Despite having more possession and creating some half-chances, PSG lacked the cutting edge required to break down Arsenal’s defense. The inability to convert shots into goals, coupled with poor finishing in crucial moments, reflected PSG’s struggles in this match. Gianluigi Donnarumma, despite being active between the posts, couldn’t prevent Arsenal’s well-executed goals
FAQs
What was the final score of the Arsenal vs PSG match?
The final score was a 2-0 victory for Arsenal. The match, held in the UEFA Champions League, saw Arsenal dominate both in terms of finishing and defensive resilience. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka sealed the victory for the Gunners.
How did Arsenal perform in terms of shots on goal?
Arsenal had 7 shots during the match, with 5 of those on target. Their clinical approach allowed them to capitalize on their chances, converting 2 goals from their efforts. Despite having fewer shots overall compared to PSG, Arsenal’s ability to hit the target with precision proved crucial.
Did PSG have more possession than Arsenal?
Yes, PSG enjoyed the majority of possession with 62% compared to Arsenal’s 38%. However, despite holding onto the ball more, PSG failed to turn that possession into meaningful opportunities, which ultimately led to their defeat.
What was the passing accuracy like for both teams?
PSG had the higher passing numbers, completing 663 passes, while Arsenal only managed 358. However, Arsenal’s compact defensive setup limited PSG’s passing effectiveness. Despite the larger number of passes, PSG struggled to penetrate Arsenal’s defense, reflecting a lack of cutting-edge play.
How many corners did each team have?
PSG earned 5 corners during the match, whereas Arsenal had just 1. This statistic reflects PSG’s territorial dominance in terms of set-piece opportunities. However, they were unable to convert these chances into goals, showcasing their lack of precision and Arsenal’s defensive strength.
In Summary
The match between Arsenal FC and PSG was an intriguing contest that saw Arsenal come out on top with a 2-0 victory. The statistical analysis reveals key differences in the two teams’ performances, especially in terms of shot accuracy and possession. Despite having more of the ball and completing a greater number of passes, PSG failed to translate this into meaningful chances, whereas Arsenal capitalized on their opportunities with clinical finishes from Havertz and Saka. PSG’s struggle to break down Arsenal’s defense and their inability to convert shots into goals were pivotal factors in the outcome. Arsenal, on the other hand, displayed a balanced approach with solid defense and effective attacking play, showcasing why they are a formidable force in European football.
This match highlights the importance of clinical finishing and defensive organization, and both teams will likely take lessons from this encounter as they continue their campaigns in the UEFA Champions League.
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