3 positives and negatives as Arsenal beat PSG in the Champions League

The only change fans saw against PSG in terms of Arsenal’s free-kick performance was that the goal came from a free-kick rather than a corner – but it was still another set-piece goal.

Bukayo Saka brought another dangerous ball into the PSG penalty area. Ultimately, the ball’s trajectory was unaffected as it trickled into the net and the Arsenal captain was rewarded with the goal. Not the usual well-rehearsed routine that has been the case for the Gunners of late, but the players and staff went out to celebrate nonetheless.

The whole set-up is simply ideal for those set-pieces that are inevitable – there is an accurate flanker of the ball, a multitude of huge, physical giants sprawling in the penalty area and, in Nicolas Jover, a tactical genius who makes the moves from the touchline orchestrated. It has become a fantastic tool for gaining an edge in even the most demanding games, and long may it continue to be so.

It was Calafiori’s fourth consecutive start for Arsenal and he showed further signs of being a special first-team player in Mikel Arteta’s future lineup. He was always particularly impressive on the ball and was not afraid to move further up the field and into the field depending on the team’s needs.

However, despite some useful defensive moves, there is a feeling that the Italian’s aggressiveness could gain the upper hand at times and that the very best attackers could find ways to get behind on his flank. This is perhaps comparable to Gabriel, who upon arriving at the club was a strong defensive threat who sometimes allowed aggressiveness to cloud his judgement.

However, at just 22 years old, Calafiori has plenty of time to perfect his defensive skills and there is undoubtedly a player of great quality in that.

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