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Arsenal’s Champions League journey was cut short in Paris on Wednesday night as PSG secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Mikel Arteta’s team at the Parc des Princes.
Arriving in the French capital trailing 1-0 after last week’s leg at the Emirates, the Gunners started strong with several early opportunities but were made to pay for their missed chances when Fabian Ruiz scored for the hosts in the 27th minute, against the flow of the game.
Although Arsenal continued to challenge Gianluigi Donnarumma in PSG’s goal, they fell further behind after Achraf Hakimi produced a remarkable finish in the 72nd minute, positioning the Parisians closer to Munich.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Parc de Princes to rate both sets of players on the night.
PSG reached the Champions League final with a 3-1 win on aggregate over Arsenal on Wednesday
It was heartbreak for the Gunners in Paris, with the exit confirming a season without silverware
The French giants will take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA: 8.5
Two world-class save early on to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard early on, and later stopped Bukayo Saka. The game-changer.
ACHRAF HAKIMI: 7.5
Stayed strong in duels with Gabriel Martinelli and kept trying to get play forward, even when under the cosh. Capped off with a goal.
MARQUINHOS: 6.5
A few errant passes at the back and looked hesitant at times. Was always going to be tricky with Arsenal stuck on front foot.
WILLIAN PACHO: 7
Outshone his fellow centre-back. Looked up for the challenge and got stuck in.
NUNO MENDES: 6.5
Couldn’t get a stranglehold of the ball in first half. Grew into the game as it went on.
JOAO NEVES: 7
Twinned well with Vitinha. Kept moving into different positions with a focus on keeping play ticking along.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring on the night with a superb strike against the run of play
Achraf Hakimi put PSG in touching distance of Munich with a superb strike in the 72nd minute
Bukayo Saka clawed one back late on – but also missed another huge chance moments later
VITINHA: 6.5
Took time to find his feet but eventually got to dictating the PSG midfield. Afforded more time in second period, but his poor penalty was saved.
FABIAN RUIZ: 7.5
His stunning strike from outside the area, against the run of play, took a big deflection but set PSG on their way.
BRADLEY BARCOLA: 6.5
Did well to intercept Saliba to tee up Desire Doue but was wasteful in attacking third.
DESIRE DOUE: 6.5
Lively on the ball and made Arsenal’s backline fearful at times. But scuppered two good chances, one because of Declan Rice pressure, to score before half-time.
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA: 7.5
Struck the goalframe with a first-half strike and did well to intercept Lewis-Skelly. Looked dangerous each time he was on the ball.
Manager- LUIS ENRIQUE: 7
Managed to get a result with Ousmane Dembele on the bench.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was a titan between the sticks again for the French giants
Joao Neves dictated the midfield expertly with Vitinha, continually moving into different areas
Luis Enrique managed to get the job done with his star man Ousmane Dembele on the bench
Arsenal (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 7
A couple of good saves against Barcola and Doue, and on Vitinha’s penalty, kept Arsenal’s hopes alive. Played his part in this tie.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6.5
Played in an advanced position up the pitch. Caused offensive problems and put in some good crosses.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6
Lucky his errant pass on 24 minutes didn’t result wasn’t capitalised upon by Doue.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 6
Run ragged at times by a quick PSG frontline with much dribbling skill, but tried hanging in there.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 5.5
A couple of poor passes in the first half gave PSG, including one which should have been scored by PSG. His handball resulted in a penalty, too.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
Played like he a point to prove after his lacklustre display in first leg. Got forward, though would have wanted better end product.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
His header fell into the danger zone which Ruiz capitalised off. Made some good tackles in the middle.
Martin Odegaard played with a point to prove but ultimately lacked end product in the final third
Myles Lewis-Skelly was often caught on the ball by PSG, particularly during the first half
Saka was the Gunners’ main threat and gave Nuno Mendes a host of problems on the right
DECLAN RICE: 7
Dominated aerial exchanges and nearly scored in the opening minutes. Great tracking back to put off Doue on his effort.
BUKAYO SAKA: 6.5
Some decent forays forward and kept trying to make things happen. Had good curling effort stopped by Donnarumma.
MIKEL MERINO: 6
Threw himself around and played with much energy. Though no real moments in front of goal.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Some nice dribbling moments on the ball, but often shielded out. Great chance to score from point-blank range in opening minutes.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6
They started brightly, but ultimately the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s season.
Referee — FELIX ZWAYER: 6
