Arsenal lost their top spot after drawing 2 – 2 with PSG in Wednesday’s Champions League penultimate round of group fixtures, and they have only themselves to blame having failed to hold on to the lead after completing a comeback in the 2nd half.
Cavani had put the visitors ahead after Matuidi squared him up nicely, but Giroud pulled Arsenal level from the spot following a foul on Sanchez in the box just a minute away from the break.
After the play resumed, an own goal from Veratti looked to have secured all 3 points for the hosts, only for Iwobi to deflect Lucas Moura’s header into his net.
Final matchday results will determine which of the 2 clubs emerge as winners of Group A.
Here is how the Gunners starting XI and substitutes performed against the Ligue 1 heavyweights.
Ospina
Could do nothing to stop both goals from entering his net but was on alert to calmly collect Cavani’s chip in a one-on-one situation.
To a large extent, he had little to do generally.
Has he done enough to retain his spot for the next rounds?
Rating : 7/10
Jenkinson
A nervy showing from the 24-year-old who had poor crosses into the box and failed to close-mark Moura during the corner that resulted in Iwobi’s goal.
Had a hand in Arsenal’s 2nd goal, though, and did well to deflect a Moura’s cross to Matuidi who was quietly lurking at the back post away.
Rating : 6/10
Mustafi
Not the best night from the German as he couldn’t keep up with Matuidi’s pace in the build-up to the first goal of the night.
Was about the only time he had to do any form of defending, but he couldn’t put in his best.
Rating : 5/10
Koscielny
A solid display at the back as he made timely tackles and interceptions to keep Arsenal in the game.
Did well to limit Cavani’s threat too.
Rating : 7/10
Gibbs
Was preferred to Monreal at the left of the defence and he put in quite an impressive and assuring display at the back.
Prevented a PSG corner from going in earlier in the game with a calm clearance, and also made a block from Jese’s goal-bound low shot late on in the game.
Rating : 7/10
Coquelin
A great cover for the backline as he helped keep the midfield brilliancies of Veratti and Motta somewhat in check.
Got a booking later on and is set to miss the Basel clash.
Rating : 6/10
Ramsey
No Arsenal player divides opinion amongst the Gunners faithful like the Welsh, but he didn’t quite do much to prove the section that doubts his abilities wrong.
Put in a lot of hard work, but was particularly below average with his attacking contributions.
Rating : 6/10
Sanchez
Dropped to the right wing as Giroud returned to lead the line. The Chilean as usual put in a lot of hard work and won a penalty for Arsenal after he appeared to have been tripped, albeit slightly by Krychowiak.
Rating : 7/10
Ozil
Apart from his buildup to Alexis’ controversial penalty call, the German had somewhat of a quiet night.
Rating : 6/10
Iwobi
The youngster’s confidence could just have been dented a huge blow after his header in an attempt to defend Moura’s header deflected beyond a helpless Ospina.
Didn’t have the best of games and was replaced with Xhaka 12 minutes to time.
Rating : 5/10
Giroud
Put Arsenal back into the game with a calmly taken penalty that sent Areola the wrong way.
Didn’t really do much apart from that to convince the gaffer of deserving a permanent recall to the starting lineup.
Rating : 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Xhaka
Come on for Iwobi shortly after PSG’s equaliser.
Rating : Not Available
Walcott
Replaced Coquelin with 10 minutes to go.
Rating : Not Available
Oxlade-Chamberlain
Replaced Jenkinson at right back at the closing stages of the game.
Rating : Not Available