But despite solid defending and inspired attacking moves, the four-time defending French champions were made to pay for their profligacy.
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“He was isolated at times and in the second half it was easier for him”.
“We did not start so well and. could have conceded a second goal on several occasions but we stayed in the game mentally”, Wenger told reporters.
Arsene Wenger praised his side’s resilience after Arsenal game from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Paris Saint-Germain.
Giroud and Verratti collided in the 93rd minute of the game, resulting in the referee showing both stars their second yellow cards.
You’d think that a tough away trip against PSG would be the ideal game to play your £35 million solid midfielder.
“The first chance I had I thought I was going to score [too], but I was just lucky Alexis put it away and I was just happy we were able to get a goal and come back into the game”.
Wenger’s decision to rest Cech in favour of Ospina was greeted with dismay before kick-off, with Arsenal fans needing little reminder of the calamitous own goal from the Colombian that handed Olympiacos a Champions League victory at the Emirates a year ago.
And he was on hand again moments later to keep our Cavani after a couple of fortunate deflections saw the ball break to the striker. Edinson Cavani, a first-minute scorer, will be haunted by the memory of Ospina in his turquoise kit and luminous gloves.
Asked if Ospina would only feature in Europe, Wenger replied: “I’ll not answer that question”.
In fact, 45 minutes from kickoff it looked like we might, because we were totally ineffective for the first half. Apart from picking up a point away from home, the performances of Alex Iwobi and David Ospina raise a number of selection dilemmas for Arsene Wenger.
The second half was more even but Arsenal kept struggling to get past PSG’s well-disciplined block.
“We as a team take every opportunity, we work hard for that”, said Ospina.
It ensured that Arsenal remained in the game and with 13 minutes left, they found an unlikely equaliser when Sanchez lashed the ball into the bottom corner from 14 yards after Alex Iwobi had seen his effort well saved by Alphonse Areola.
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Marquinhos nearly snatched the win for PSG in added time but his header ended wide.
