3 positives & negatives as Arsenal crush PSG in Champions League

Positive #2 - Mikel Merino makes his debut

A disheartening shoulder injury in his first training session meant that Mikel Merino missed the bulk of Arsenal's opening fixtures, but he made a return against PSG with just under half an hour off the bench.

Immediately, the Spaniard exhbited his physical and defensive qualities with a number of successful tackles and recoveries. In general, Arsenal played a large part of the second half off the ball, primarily responding to PSG's attempts at attack, which meant that Merino had few opportunities to hold onto the ball.

Nonetheless, the initial signs are exciting, and Merino should play an important role for the Gunners from midfield.

Negative #2 - Gabriel Martinelli still missing a finishing touch

After Martinelli notched a goal and an assist last time out against Leicester City, many thought that the Brazilian was back on track, but he struggled to find the back of the net against PSG, despite a couple of decent opportunities.

His all-round play certainly looked effective at times, particularly on the defensive side - the Brazilian has never been one to shy away from the battle. However, his finishing still seems a little low on confidence, as has been the case for some time now.

It's common to reminisce his exceptional 15-goal outlay in the 2022/23 season, in which finishing was one of Martinelli's most special strengths, and it's tough to believe that the ability has withered away so quickly. Hopefully, it is just an issue of confidence and his first successful strike last weekend should be something to build upon going forward.

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