UEFA Champions League 2016-17: PSG 1-1 Arsenal - Player Ratings
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal played out an entertaining draw in their opening game of the group A of the Champions League. It was PSG who grabbed the lead when Edinson Cavani directed a Serge Aurier cross into the far side of the goal post within the first minute.
However, the side was unable to add to their lead, despite creating a number of chances and a late equalizer from Alexis Sanchez ensured that the points were split amongst them at the end of the night.
In this segment, we take a look at the player ratings from last evening’s game. (The ratings are out of 10)
Paris Saint-Germain
Alphonse Areola – 7
The goalkeeper made a superb block to deny Iwobi after the Arsenal equalizer. He was in complete control of the box for most parts of the evening.
Marquinhos – 7
He did not put a foot wrong through the evening and was a rock at the back. His vision and ability to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm came to the forefront during the evening.
Thiago Silva – 7
He was calm and composed and forged a solid partnership alongside Marquinhos.
Serge Aurier – 7.5
Aurier was a constant threat to the Arsenal defence and made some amazing runs down the right-hand side of the field. It was his cross that found Cavani in the opening minute for the PSG goal.
Maxwell – 6
He was hardly visible in the match. While he did add to his side’s defensive muscle and presence, there is not a lot he offered in attack.
Adrien Rabiot – 6
He started well, but failed to leave his stamp on the game.
Grzegorz Krychowiak – 7.5
The Polish midfielder had a great game, pulling the right strings in the midfield and creating space for himself as well as his teammates with his movement and passing.
Angel Di Maria – 7.5
Di Maria had a brilliant evening as he created a number of wonderful chances. However, his finishing was not up to the mark.
Blaise Matuidi – 6
The Frenchman was played in an unfamiliar role on the left wing. However, he grew into the game and displayed an ability to add to his side’s attacking threat in the final third of the pitch.
Marco Verratti – 8
The Italian was arguably PSG’s best player of the evening. He made telling contributions in defence and was tidy in possession as well as passing. It remains to be seen if PSG will appeal against the contentious decision to send him off during the later stages of the game.
Edinson Cavani – 6
Edinson Cavani started the game brilliantly as he found the back of the net in the first minute. However, thereafter, it was a story he would like to forget as he missed numerous chances to improve upon his side’s lead.
Substitutes
Thomas Meunier – N/A
Brought on as a late substitute.
Javier Pastore – N/A
The Argentine made a 10-minute cameo and was hardly involved in the game.
Thiago Motta – 6
He came on as a substitute for Rabiot and did his best to enforce the game, however, to no avail.