Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard spotted doing one thing before combining for Arsenal opener vs PSG

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Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard were able to make an impact for Arsenal against PSG.

Arsenal welcomed PSG to the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League encounter on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side started strongly, and were clearly full of confidence. Bukayo Saka threatened early, curling an effort just over the bar. Gabriel Martinelli also came agonisingly close to latching onto a long ball from David Raya.

However, it was Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz who combined to put the Gunners ahead with 20 minutes on the clock. 

Trossard gathered the ball outside the PSG penalty area, and spotting the German forward’s run, arced an inch-perfect cross into the area. Havertz arrived on time to meet the delivery and guided his header into the back of the net.

Both Trossard and Havertz have started this season in impressive form, and that continued from the off against the French outfit.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about the Champions League in 2024/25 from group stage draw date, new format explained, Arsenal’s potential opponents, full schedule and more

Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard gave PSG warning signs

Even before they linked up for the goal, Havertz and his Belgian teammate were putting the visitors under pressure. 

Ten minutes into the game, former Everton midfielder Leon Osman spotted that the Arsenal duo were causing issues at the back for PSG with their clever movement.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (01/10/2024, 20:11), he said: “The fact Arsenal have got both Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz up front is causing problems for the PSG centre halves. 

“When one of them drops off the front line the defenders don’t want to follow them in, and it led to that pass to Bukayo Saka for that curling shot over the bar.”

Havertz and Trossard stepping up for Arsenal

This was a big night for both players in question. Trossard has not always been happy with his game time at Arsenal. Now though, due to Martin Odegaard’s enduring absence, he is playing a key role for the Gunners in a more central position. 

Meanwhile, Havertz has history in this competition that he is keen to add to. He scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final.

However, Havertz has admitted that winning the Champions League with Arsenal would mean more to him than his triumph with the Blues did.