However, the Ligue 1 side were made to pay for their missed opportunities 12 minutes from time, when Alexis Sanchez netted the rebound from the Gunners’ first shot on target in the match.
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Arsene Wenger has chosen an intriguing starting lineup for the first match of their UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain with no natural striker up-front.
How the Arsenal players react to conceding such an early goal remains to be seen, though as they attempt to salvage something from the game. “Once you have optimism, that’s when you start to score goals”. However, his club has got off to a mixed start, with a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool the low point so far.
Layvin Kurzawa. The French full-back has scored three goals for PSG this season: two in the league and one in the cup, as well as two assists. But despite solid defending and inspired attacking moves, the four-time defending French champions were made to pay for their profligacy. I think he’s one of the best in the world. “But tonight’s game could be a reference for the future”.
PSG coach Unai Emery added: “I am not happy with the result but I am happy with how we played”.
Olivier Giroud is expected to start his first game of the new season with Lucas Perez dropping out but Shkodran Mustafi should keep his place in defence. The defender, who was a constant threat with his precise crosses and sudden accelerations, crossed the ball in the box for the unmarked Cavani.
Arsenal was left to rely on Ospina once more to secure a point, the goalkeeper diving at Cavani’s feet and getting a crucial touch on the ball to steer him away from goal.
The Uruguay global, leading the line for PSG this season in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was in again three minutes before the break, but he could not bring Di Maria’s pass under control with just Ospina to beat.
Overrun in midfield, the Gunners nearly conceded in the 34th after a deflected ball ended in Cavani’s path. Ospina again came out on top as Cavani burst through the Arsenal defence and attempted to round the 28-year-old, while play swung to the other end where Areola foiled Iwobi as Arsenal searched for an unlikely victor.
Arsenal are seventh in the Premier League, with seven points from four games.
But Wenger hinted he was likely to stick with the Colombian for the visit of Basle in their next Champions League outing.
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“He had three good chances, three very good chances”. “He showed his doubters that he is a great keeper. Today he set the record straight”.
