Paris FC 2-2 Arsenal: Arsenal drop points in Paris
Arsenal's second goal scored by Georgia Stanway versus Paris FC (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal break their goal-scoring deadlock against Paris FC with the goals from Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway but drop two points at the Stade Jean-Bouin, with goals for Paris FC from Clara Mateo and Maeline Mendy.
The Gunners started how everyone expected them to, getting further up the pitch and being hesitant in front of goal to shoot despite the numerous occasions and chances to score, until Russo broke the deadlock between the two sides in the Women's Champions League.
Paris FC were well defended for the first 45 minutes, denying Arsenal any look at a goal while also getting up the field themselves but being unable to get past Misa Rodríguez in the Arsenal net.
Arsenal dropped intensity after going two-nil up in Paris, which allowed the home side to get back into the game and earn themselves a well-earned point against the Gunners.
Story of the Match
Paris FC made three changes from their game against Barcelona, two in their backline and formation with Evelyne Viens being the sole number 9 against the North London side.
Arsenal on the other hand made two changes from their defeat to Chelsea over the weekend, with Misa replacing Anneke Borbe in goal and Lotte Wubben-Moy coming in for the injured Steph Catley at centre-back.
Paris FC get the first chance of the game with Mariam Toloba breaking down the left hand side but Misa calmly collects the shot for an Arsenal counter attack.
Mariona Caldentey's header at the far post is collected by Mylène Chavas before it can be threatening for Paris FC.
In the first 15 minutes most of the play has been in the Paris FC half with Arsenal on the attack, however the Gunners cannot seem to get the ball into the back of the net with a lack of shooting from the North London side's strikers.
Melween N'Dongala vs. Arsenal (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Melween N'Dongala vs. Arsenal (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Melween N'Dongala breaks down the right hand side after a one-two pass with Aurélie Reynders but Emily Fox does just enough at the back post to stop the Parisians from taking the lead in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
Arsenal earn themselves a free-kick after a handball situation inside the Paris FC half, but the home side get the ball out of danger.
Viens had the chance to make the home side go ahead after a through ball from N'Dongala, but Misa saved the ball and kept the Gunners' clean sheet.
Russo's shot is blocked by the Parisian defence, and then Ona Batlle's own deflected shot is picked up by Chavas.
Lisa Baum's corner kick meets the head of Russo but the ball just ricochets wide for a Paris FC goal kick, the closest Arsenal have come all game.
Leah Williamson's calm under pressure block denies Viens the chance to attack Misa in Arsenal's net.
Mariona went down with an injury just before 30 minutes on the clock, giving both teams a respite and chance to meet up with their managers; thankfully she returned to the pitch moments later.
Toloba received the ball within the Arsenal half after Kyra Cooney-Cross was dispossessed but fired the ball well over the crossbar.
Mariona's corner delivery is heading towards Russo but Chavas is out to collect before the English striker can get her head anywhere near the ball.
Baum took her own chance from outside the box with an in-swinging shot towards the near post, but it was right at the goalkeeper with Chavas easily picking up the ball before any Arsenal player could pick up the rebound.
N'Dongala breaks the Gunners' defence with a ball through to Viens, but Williamson moves across and blocks the shot, leaving Paris FC with their first corner of the game, which is defended well by Wubben-Moy.
Alessia Russo scoring Arsenal’s first goal versus Paris FC (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Alessia Russo scoring Arsenal’s first goal versus Paris FC (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Russo breaks the deadlock at 40 minutes, finding the back of the net with traffic in front of her after a long pass from Baum finds Russo for a one-two with Stanway to slot the ball into the corner of the net.
Another strike from Russo is collected by Chavas as Arsenal move the ball with renewed vigour.
Paris FC got another break with Viens, who fired the ball over the crossbar again in the only minute of added time before the whistle blew and the Gunners went into the break with a one-goal lead.
Second Half in Paris
Neither manager made any changes to their sides at half-time before each side was battling it out for the next 45 minutes.
Georgia Stanway celebrating her goal versus Paris FC (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Georgia Stanway celebrating her goal versus Paris FC (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Stanway gets herself on the scoresheet for the Gunners after a cross from Fox finds her in the penalty box and she fires it into the net to take the North London side two-nil up against the Parisians.
Olivia Smith joins the Arsenal side on the pitch for Kim Little while Paris FC see Hillary Diaz and Maeline Mendy on for Théa Greboval and Toloba.
Reynders could not pick anyone out in the Arsenal box for Paris FC before the Gunners clear their box.
Paris FC keep attacking Arsenal's penalty area but are unable to find the back of the net through a short free-kick routine, which is cleared by Williamson.
Mendy breaks for Paris FC but Kaja Korošec misses the opportunity to get the French side back into the game.
Fox and Stanway depart the field for Arsenal to be replaced by Smilla Holmberg and Frida Maanum.
Clara Mateo scoring for Paris FC versus Arsenal (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Clara Mateo scoring for Paris FC versus Arsenal (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris FC Fight Back
Paris FC get a goal back against the Gunners after Russo was dispossessed and Mateo goes around Misa to get on the scoresheet.
Williamson's cross meets the head of Wubben-Moy but it goes nowhere, as a cross in from Baum is blocked by Diaz from Paris FC.
Arsenal vulnerable in defence with Mateo breaking down the wing again, with shots blocked from Williamson twice before the ball was caught by Misa — Arsenal need to take control of the game in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Holmberg's cross finds Smith at the back post but the Canadian cannot get the header on target.
Smith's free-kick for Arsenal does not head anywhere while Maanum's shot is collected by Chavas.
Paris FC celebrating the equaliser against Arsenal (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/ AFP via Getty Images)
Paris FC celebrating the equaliser against Arsenal (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/ AFP via Getty Images)
Paris FC get back into the game through a penalty after a Williamson handball from a goal-kick, and Mendy equalises for the Parisians.
Baum and Russo go off for the Gunners to be replaced by Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord for the remainder of the game.
Arsenal were back to doing what they have done all season, looking for a goal in the dying minutes of the game which does not seem to be coming, while Paris FC are on the break to look for the winner.
Points are shared in France between Paris FC and Arsenal, the home side making a comeback after Arsenal drop off in intensity. Paris FC will be happy with the result over the English side but Arsenal will be frustrated and kicking themselves after dropping the three points.