Reason why the 28-year-old Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino shouted at Riccardo Calafiori during their UEFA Champions League match vs. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG)

It seemed like this game had been played before for Arsenal. It was the second time in three days that they were ahead 2-0 after barely breaking a sweat in the first 45 minutes against a blue team.

Even though they had three-goal leads before, they couldn’t make them stick. This time, though, it wasn’t easy for their guests to get back into the game.

PSG is a much tougher opponent than Leicester, and they gave Arsenal a lot more to think about in the second half. The Gunners, on the other hand, seemed eager to avoid too much drama this time.

Not just from this weekend, but also from last season, things have changed a lot for Arsenal in Europe. They looked like a team that didn’t know what they were doing on the big stage last year. They look like they know what they’re doing this time and are eager to show it.

“I also felt something different yesterday in how we were getting ready for the game and how focused they wanted us to be,” Mikel Arteta said of his team after the win. “I think they wanted to make a point tonight as well. We can be ourselves and very dominant at home against a top team.” Our job has to keep going like that.

After the game, Bukayo Saka said he thinks this is Arsenal’s year to win the Title. You can’t really blame him when he plays like this against such good opponents.

The first Merino

It took a long time for Mikel Merino to move from Real Sociedad, so it made sense that we had to wait a little longer for his start. The Spanish player hurt himself in the strangest way during his first training session, but he was finally able to play on Tuesday night.

When Merino walks onto the field, the first thing that stands out is how big he is. The person is a mountain. The way he acts seems to match, too. As soon as the 28-year-old was introduced, he started giving Riccardo Calafiori directions.

Inside the team, Merino is seen as a “win now” deal. He is sure of himself as a person and as a player, which should help him learn faster. Arteta is sure that he can do it.

“He only trained with us once before tonight, and he was ready,” the Arsenal boss said of the player he signed in the summer. “He really wanted to be a part of today.” Due to illness and changes we had to make, we thought he could be a player who could help us at that time. I believe he did a great job.

When Arsenal used a 4-4-2 when they didn’t have the ball, Merino and Rice played together in a classic midfield partnership. When they did have the ball, they played a little further forward. However, Merino did show the one thing that makes him famous: his skill in a fight. He may not have been as precise with his passes or technically sound as Arsenal would like him to be just yet.

And especially late in the game, there was a tough sliding task that fit the stormy weather. It made the home fans happy that the Spanish player was so rough. A good start for the new guy.

Havertz on top

Things are going to happen with Kai Havertz right now. His goal against PSG was completely planned, though the way he scored on Saturday may have been a bit of luck.

Leandro Trossard’s run up the field and time of the cross were both beautiful, but Havertz’s hard run and smart header finish were even better. He has scored at the Emirates Stadium six times in a row. Arteta was very happy.

The Spanish manager said of his center forward, “So strong, but also so smart.” “The way he fills the empty spaces and brings everything together.” As soon as he gets close to the box, you know he’s going to score. Overall, it was a really great effort, and the goal was great. Really happy with him.”

As for Havertz, he seems to really enjoy the physical parts of being a No.9. In the past, he seemed like a player who didn’t want to get into a fight. He himself says that things are very different now.

The German said, “It’s great to play here.” “I’m so grateful to be able to play here and help the team. I love this stadium and the fans.” It was a big step for me to come here. I didn’t always enjoy duels as a player, but now I do.”

The best thing we can say about Havertz is that people no longer seem to be talking about how Arsenal needs a new striker. It looks like the German is the answer.