Arsenal beat Leicester City 4-2 in the Premier League and PSG 2-0 in the Champions League, both at the Emirates. The Gunners are now only one point off top spot in the Premier League. Arsenal remains unbeaten in all competitions after these results and last week’s two draws. Additionally, Arsenal is seventh in the Champions League group phase rankings. Without further ado, let’s discuss these two crucial victories in our Arsenal 24-25 part 5 article.

Arsenal 24-25 Part 5: Arsenal’s Defense Shut Out PSG But Could Have Done Better vs. Leicester

Arsenal’s defense was overall good against Leicester. Leicester’s first goal was unlucky for the Gunners as it took a massive deflection off Kai Havertz. Additionally, Leicester’s second goal was an incredible strike from Justin. Calafiori could have done closed down Justin a bit better on the second Leicester goal.

However, David Raya deserves praise for his performances in both matches. Raya isn’t to blame for either of Leicester’s goals and made a save against the Foxes. Raya played well against PSG with calm distribution, confident claiming of crosses, and two good saves. David Raya appears determined to keep as many clean sheets as possible this season. This bodes well for Arsenal.

Calafiori played well overall in both games. The Italian defender is an excellent ball-carrier and has exceptional recovery ability, although his positioning is sometimes sub-optimal. Calafiori also passed well in both games and at 22, he has plenty of room to grow.

Jurrien Timber was also excellent in both games. It is fair to claim that Timber was Arsenal’s best defender against PSG, despite strong performances from Gabriel and Saliba. Timber shut down Leicester’s right-wingers and marked Barcola out of the PSG game. This is an impressive feat, given Barcola’s quality. Timber’s versatility is key, especially with Ben White struggling with injuries recently.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba also deserve praise for their performances in both matches. Gabriel, as usual, was a wall in front of Arsenal’s goal and Saliba complimented him well with his ball-carrying and passing. Saliba also made a number of top-notch challenges, particularly against PSG.

PSG had scored in 51 consecutive Champions League group stage/league phase matches prior to their game against Arsenal. Keeping a clean sheet against the French champions is no small feat.

Arsenal’s Midfield Found Tactical Success in Both Games

Arsenal’s midfield won the tactical battle in both games. Against Leicester, Arsenal dominated possession, with 75% of the ball in that match. Partey, Rice, and Martinelli all played well against Leicester, ensuring that the Foxes had little of the ball and few opportunities. Partey’s performances in both games deserve praise as the Ghanian midfielder has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season. Partey had one of his best games in recent memory against PSG, despite the unfavorable possession stats.

The Gunners clearly didn’t mind allowing PSG to control possession. Arsenal looked to win the ball back and hit PSG on the counter-attack, which they did well. Arsenal’s midfield ensured that PSG’s possession was sterile and rarely led to high xG shots. Arteta set up the Gunners’ midfield intelligently to capitalize on PSG’s weaknesses.

Mikel Merino finally made his Arsenal debut against PSG. Merino only played about 20 minutes, but won a number of duels and won possession back multiple times. It’s fair to say Merino was a bit rusty on the ball. However, it is good to see him on the pitch after his unfortunate injury at the season’s beginning.

Arsenal 24-25 Part 5: Arsenal’s Attack Performed Well in Both Games

Arsenal’s attack thrived in both matches. Martinelli scored Arsenal’s first goal against Leicester before Trossard added a second after setting up Martinelli’s goal. Kai Havertz deserves acclaim for his performance against Leicester, capped off with a stoppage time goal to seal the Gunners’ win.

Havertz opened the scoring for Arsenal against PSG. The German bravely won a header against an oncoming Donnarumma and took advantage of the Italian goalkeeper’s momentary hesitation. After that, Bukayo Saka doubled Arsenal’s lead with a fantastic direct free-kick goal. This is Arsenal’s first goal directly from a free kick since 2021.

Martinelli looked lively but his shots were a bit too close to Donnarumma against PSG. Meanwhile, Jesus was a bit selfish against PSG, taking shots when he could have set up teammates. Regardless, Arsenal’s attack thrived against PSG and the Gunners could have scored three or four goals in that match.

Manager Ratings for Arteta: 8/10 vs. Leicester and 9/10 vs. PSG

Arteta set up the team well in both games. His tactics were largely correct, although Arsenal did lose focus after taking a 2-0 halftime lead against Leicester. However, Arsenal remained focused throughout the entire match against PSG and won comfortably. Arteta receives an 8/10 manager rating against Leicester and a 9/10 manager rating against PSG.

Arsenal Hosts Southampton in the Premier League Next

Arsenal plays Southampton at the Emirates in the Premier League next. Given how poor Southampton have been so far this season, Arsenal should easily win. It is important for Arsenal to kill off the game this time to ensure the opposition has no hope of a comeback.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.