Arsenal`s Champions League journey concluded in disappointment in Paris following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners began the match with energy, testing Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it quickly felt like it wasn`t destined to be their night. That feeling proved correct.
Despite their bright start, Arsenal fell behind to Fabian Ruiz`s volley. Achraf Hakimi extended PSG`s lead shortly after David Raya had made a crucial penalty save from Vitinha, momentarily keeping Arsenal in the tie.
However, Bukayo Saka, who had a challenging night against the formidable Donnarumma, finally found a way past the Italian in the 76th minute, reacting quickest to a deflected cross, rounding the keeper and scoring. With the deficit reduced, Saka had a golden chance to level the score on the night when he found himself in a central position facing an open net. However, he couldn`t keep his shot down, sending it high over the bar.
PSG comfortably managed the final minutes to secure their place in the Munich final against Inter Milan. Here are SunSport`s player ratings for the Gunners in Paris.
David Raya –
Such was Arsenal`s early dominance, Raya had very little to do. It must have been frustrating then to pick the ball out of his net from practically PSG`s first major chance, especially after watching Kvaratskhelia hit the far post moments earlier.
He had a brief discussion with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana before the penalty, and it paid off as he tipped Vitinha`s spot-kick around the post for a corner.
He could do nothing about PSG`s second goal three minutes later.
Jurrien Timber –
The Dutchman was heavily targeted by Kvaratskhelia in the first leg and struggled. This time, he played with something to prove, and at times he succeeded.
Dribbling inside with the ball, he was effective in creating promising attacking positions for Arsenal in the opening 15 minutes and helping disrupt the PSG midfield.
Defensively, Kvaratskhelia barely had a sniff. The one time he did, he curled a shot onto Raya’s post.
William Saliba –
One notable poor moment was an underhit pass to Kiwior, which PSG pounced on and almost scored from. But other than that, the Frenchman was a defensive rock in Paris.
He was one of the reasons why PSG were less potent in attack in the second leg, exuding confidence and composure. He didn`t get many opportunities to attack set-pieces, however.
Jakub Kiwior –
