Arsenal assert themselves as Champions League contenders as Kai Havertz stars against PSG
Whisper it quietly, but Arsenal might be contenders for the Champions League this season.
It is difficult to see find a chink in the Gunners' armour; they are strong in defence, physical in midfield and suave in attack.
And led by a reborn Kai Havertz, Arsenal swatted Paris Saint-Germain aside with relative ease at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
It was the German's opener that got the Gunners on their way when he made a brilliant run into the box to get on the end of an equally-sublime cross from Leandro Trossard.
Kai Havertz starred for Arsenal against PSG
Reuters
PSG did not cover themselves in glory for Arsenal's second, though, as Bukayo Saka's free-kick evaded everyone to go straight past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
That gave Mikel Arteta the two-goal cushion he wanted and it was time to shut up shop.
And no one is getting past William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in that rock-hard back-four at Arsenal - not on Tuesday night anyway while PSG's meagre attack lacked the in-form Ousmane Dembele, who had been dropped for disciplinary reasons.
PSG's leading scorer this season Bradley Barcola, six goals, tried his hardest but ran into the big red and white wall over and over again.
But ultimately, this performance from Arsenal had a distinct European feel to it - like a proper Champions League outfit.
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While PSG are missing plenty of star power with Kylian Mbappe's departure leaving a huge superstar-shaped hole in their attack, Arteta's men did their jobs efficiently and professionally.
If they can continue this kind of form, there is no reason why they cannot start to think about reaching the latter stages of the Champions League.
Or better yet, go on and win the entire thing.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard admits Kai Havertz 'regret' as Arsenal star nets opener against PSG
Bukayo Saka's freak goal gave Arsenal a deserved two-goal lead
Reuters
There is no clear favourite this season in Europe, though Real Madrid and Manchester City will always be fancied.
But it might be time for a new kid on the block - and a chance to finally end their European hoodoo.
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Kai Havertz has scored in every home game for Arsenal this season
Reuters
Arsenal have never won a European trophy, often used as a stick to bat them with by rival fans, and it would be the perfect way for Arteta to announce himself as an elite manager.
Yes, his side play wonderful stuff and they have two FA Cups to show for it, but if they want to truly rub shoulders with the best - they need to beat the best.