The first goal of the 2016/2017 Champions League group stages came after a mere 42 seconds from the head of Paris Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani at the Parc des Princes against Arsenal.
The strike was PSG’s quickest in the Champions League, but the French champions, and Cavani in particular, were guilty of failing to convert a succession of golden opportunities.
The worst possible start for Arsenal hinted at a potential lopsided affair but the Gunners got out of jail with Alexis Sanchez’s leveller inside the final quarter of an hour.
Both sides ended a man down after Olivier Giroud and Marco Verratti were sent off at the death.
“We have experience in the Champions League, we were resilient, and we got a good point,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
“When you start so badly against a team of that quality, if you have no experience, if you are too young, you can be caught.
“But we didn’t panic, overall we were resilient enough and resilience is linked with experience.”
PSG coach Unai Emery added: “I am not happy with the result but I am happy with how we played. This is the way we need to play in future.”
Wenger had words of praise for Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, chosen over Petr Cech.
“Ospina was very good and he will have shown tonight for those who doubted him that he is a good goalkeeper,” said the Frenchman.
Arsenal’s night got better with news that Group A’s other game between Basle and Ludogorets also ended 1-1.
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