9 duels won, 8 recoveries: 60-touch star was Arsenal's leading player vs PSG last night after Saka - opinion

Arsenal exited the Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners trailed 1-0 after the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. They made a perfect start at Parc des Princes and should have at least equalised in the first 20 minutes.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was brilliant in goal with multiple saves. Fabian Ruiz eventually scored out of the blue for Les Parisiens after a huge deflection off William Saliba.

A Thomas Partey error contributed to PSG’s second goal by Ashraf Hakimi. Bukayo Saka soon reduced the deficit, but it was only a consolation goal for the Gunners.

Saka missed a glorious chance to make it 2-2 on the night. Had he scored, it could have brought an interesting end to the game as PSG showed signs of nervousness.

Saka had a good outing against Les Parisiens. He could have had a hat-trick on another day. Donnarumma also made a stunning fingertip save to deny him in the second half.

In our view, Jurrien Timber and David Raya were the other stand-out players.

The former had himself occupied against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at right-back but did an amazing job limiting the attacking threat from the Georgia international.

Barring one key shot on goal, Timber controlled proceedings. The 23-year-old had 60 touches. He won an impressive nine duels and made eight recoveries for the Gunners.

The right-back was an injury doubt after missing the Bournemouth clash, but he rose to the occasion and should be praised for his stand-out defensive showing last night.

Timber also delivered two accurate crosses into the box, but the forwards could not capitalise.

The Dutchman looked visibly jaded before his late substitution. We won’t be surprised if Ben White gets the nod at right-back against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Stats from Fotmob.com

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