Arsenal make PSG pay for lack of Champions League realism as Luis Enrique's big calls fall short

Ousmane Dembele could have made the difference against the Gunners but was back home instead

Paris Saint-Germain's unbeaten start to the season is over after a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka's goals were enough for the Gunners at Emirates Stadium despite Luis Enrique seeing his side hit the woodwork multiple times in the second round of League Phase play.

It was a familiar script for PSG to last season's UCL semifinal frustration against Borussia Dortmund with plenty of possession and sights of goal but not enough cutting edge. However, a new twist on top of Kylian Mbappe no longer being there for the French giants was the surprise omission of Ousmane Dembele whose brilliance took them into the final four.

The France international being left out was a major talking point pregame along with Les Parisiens' most recent trip to England resulting in a chastening 4-1 thrashing by Newcastle United. Surprising even further was Randal Kolo Muani starting as a substitute once more along with Fabian Ruiz who was so impressive at UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain this summer.