Paris Saint-Germain's stunning first half display saw them claim Le Classique bragging rights as they swept aside 10-man Marseille 3-0 at the Orange Velodrome. 

The Parisiens moved three points clear at the Ligue 1 summit following Monaco's defeat to Nice on Saturday, with Luis Enrique's side extending their unbeaten record away from home to 29 matches. 

A dominant start by the visitors was rewarded in the seventh minute when Nuno Mendes' cross was spilt by Geronimo Rulli, with Joao Neves on hand to open the scoring with his first goal for the club. 

It then went from bad to worse for Marseille when Amine Harit was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Marquinhos, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side with an uphill task of salvaging anything from the game.

PSG then hammered home their man advantage nine minutes after Harit's dismissal when the unfortunate Leonardo Balerdi turned the ball into his own net. 

Bradley Barcola all but sealed the triumph before the break, firing home his eighth league goal in nine games to cap an impressive first 45 minutes for the visitors.

They were unable to add further gloss to the scoreline after the break, though, but the damage had already been done by their ruthless first half showing.

Data Debrief: Parisiens purr on enemy turf

After a disappointing draw in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in midweek, PSG responded emphatically at the expense of their long-term rivals. 

The visitors ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.98 from their 19 shots, while also attempting 918 passes, their highest in Ligue 1 this season. 

Barcola was a particular standout, accumulating a 0.97 xG tally to his side's total, as well as recording the most touches in the opposition box (13) for his side.

For Marseille, meanwhile, they suffered a 51st defeat in their 108 games against PSG, which is at least five more than they have suffered against any other opponent in all competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain's stunning first half display saw them claim Le Classique bragging rights as they swept aside 10-man Marseille 3-0 at the Orange Velodrome. 

The Parisiens moved three points clear at the Ligue 1 summit following Monaco's defeat to Nice on Saturday, with Luis Enrique's side extending their unbeaten record away from home to 29 matches. 

A dominant start by the visitors was rewarded in the seventh minute when Nuno Mendes' cross was spilt by Geronimo Rulli, with Joao Neves on hand to open the scoring with his first goal for the club. 

It then went from bad to worse for Marseille when Amine Harit was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Marquinhos, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side with an uphill task of salvaging anything from the game.

PSG then hammered home their man advantage nine minutes after Harit's dismissal when the unfortunate Leonardo Balerdi turned the ball into his own net. 

Bradley Barcola all but sealed the triumph before the break, firing home his eighth league goal in nine games to cap an impressive first 45 minutes for the visitors.

They were unable to add further gloss to the scoreline after the break, though, but the damage had already been done by their ruthless first half showing.

Data Debrief: Parisiens purr on enemy turf

After a disappointing draw in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in midweek, PSG responded emphatically at the expense of their long-term rivals. 

The visitors ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.98 from their 19 shots, while also attempting 918 passes, their highest in Ligue 1 this season. 

Barcola was a particular standout, accumulating a 0.97 xG tally to his side's total, as well as recording the most touches in the opposition box (13) for his side.

For Marseille, meanwhile, they suffered a 51st defeat in their 108 games against PSG, which is at least five more than they have suffered against any other opponent in all competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain will not need any extra motivation when they travel to the Orange Velodrome to face rivals Marseille, says Luis Enrique. 

Luis Enrique's side return to Ligue 1 action after a disappointing draw with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek. 

Though the Parisiens remained unbeaten against Dutch sides in all competitions, the result left PSG 19th in the new league standings after three games. 

But PSG have impressed in the league this season, winning six of their eight games and currently at the Ligue 1 summit ahead of Monaco on goal difference.

However, Luis Enrique insisted form counted for little in a game that he expects to be an emotional affair, something he acknowledged his players would have to control.

"With this type of match, it doesn't matter what you've done before," Luis Enrique said. 

"There's so much tension. I'm very satisfied, we played a very good game against PSV Eindhoven. I'm very optimistic about what I'm seeing.

"High-voltage matches are almost the easiest, you won't have a lack of motivation.

"But you have to be careful not to get overly motivated, I take that into account. You need 100% motivation, not 105%. You mustn't be ruled by emotions.

"We're five points clear of last year, we've started even better. AS Monaco and Marseille are at a different level.

"If that continues, we'll see. It's positive for everyone, it keeps the players motivated."

This weekend's meeting will mark the 108th between the sides in all competitions, with PSG winning 50 of those games. 

But the encounter will see Marseille's home record and PSG's form away from home put to the test. 

Marseille have lost only one of their last 20 home games in Ligue 1 (W11 D8), though that defeat came against the Parisiens in a 2-0 defeat back in March.

PSG have not lost any of their last 28 away matches in Ligue 1 (W21 D7), the longest streak in the history of the competition, with that run beginning against Marseille in February last year.

And Luis Enrique expects another difficult encounter at the Velodrome, even more so against Roberto De Zerbi, who impressed the PSG boss during his time at Brighton.

"For me, De Zerbi is an exciting coach that I followed at Brighton. He is a coach who likes to attack, we have that in common," he said.

"The way he wants to dominate matches, his ability to convince his players... I had a lot of fun (watching) his Brighton team. I hope I won't have as much fun tomorrow."

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos lamented his side's lack of efficiency after playing out a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

The Parisiens needed a stunner from Achraf Hakimi to salvage a point at the Parc des Princes after Noa Lang had given the Eredivisie outfit a 34th-minute lead. 

Luis Enrique's side have struggled in this year's competition, with Hakimi's leveller only their second goal in the Champions League this term, despite netting 25 goals in Ligue 1 this campaign. 

PSG dominated for large parts on Tuesday, registering 26 shots, the most against PSV in a Champions League match since November 2018 (30 from Tottenham).

Luis Enrique's side have also now had 25 or more shots in each of their last three Champions League home games (also 30 against Borussia Dortmund and 26 against Girona).

"Efficiency was our main problem because we had a lot of chances," Marquinhos said.

"We had so many opportunities in the beginning but did not convert, while they were more clinical, opened the scoring, and it changed the scenario of the match."

But for all of PSG's attempts, only eight were on target, with the Parisiens underperforming their expected goals (xG) total by 1.57. 

Ousmane Dembele struck the woodwork in the 18th minute, while Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-In threatened, but they rarely threatened visiting goalkeeper Walter Benitez. 

"We are among the teams who create the most chances, the team are playing the way I want them to," said Luis Enrique.

"If you look at the statistics, we've been scoring a lot of goals," added Marquinhos, referring to their 25 in the opening eight Ligue 1 games this season.

PSG currently sit 17th in the new Champions League table ahead of Wednesday's fixtures, with games against Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich to come.

"Our style of play has changed," Marquinhos said. "We need to be more calm in front of goal.

"These are things we need to work at in training and in our heads."

Achraf Hakimi's second-half stunner was not enough to mask Paris Saint Germain's Champions League struggles after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by PSV.

The Ligue 1 champions salvaged a point when Hakimi rifled home from range to cancel out Noa Lang's 34th-minute opener, leaving Luis Enrique's side on four points after three games.

PSG were denied a late penalty, however, when the referee waved away spot-kick claims after Olivier Boscagli challenged Marco Asensio as the substitute was preparing to shoot.

Marquinhos also went close in the dying minutes, though Walter Benitez did just enough to palm away and earn his side a memorable draw.

Eredivisie leaders PSV, who made the most of PSG's mediocre midfield, are still winless with two points in the new format of Europe's premier club competition.

Data Debrief: Warning signs for PSG

Luis Enrique has only won 40% of his matches in the Champions League as PSG boss, winning six of 15 with three draws and six defeats, the lowest winning ratio from a head coach in the Qatari Sports Investment era.

That was not for a lack of dominance here, though, as PSG accumulated 2.43 expected goals (xG) to PSV's meagre 0.25.

Ousmane Dembele managed 0.93 of that xG total but found the target just once from six attempts, with five of those in the PSV area, as PSG failed to fire.

Luis Enrique is not overlooking the test PSV Eindhoven will bring to the Parc des Princes when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

PSV come into the game with the French champions having yet to win in the Champions League, losing to Juventus before drawing 1-1 with Juventus last time out.

However, Peter Bosz's side come into the contest on the back of a 2-1 league win over AZ Alkmaar, taking them five points clear at the summit of the Eredivisie.

PSV have also scored 29 goals in their first nine league games, conceding just six times as they remain perfect so far, something Luis Enrique was wary of. 

"I think that with the expanded Champions League format there are lots of teams with very high levels," Luis Enrique told reporters. 

"Last season, they were the best team in their country, and they have had an incredible start to the season when you look at the statistics."

Luis Enrique led PSG to a 4-2 win over Strasbourg on Saturday, with Senny Mayulu, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-In on target for the Parisiens. 

But after falling to a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last Champions League encounter, the PSG boss is expecting a similar challenge to the one his players have just faced.

"They are a top level team without doubt. I think it will be similar to the game against Strasbourg," he said.

"It will be tough for us because of how they play. They play far away from their goal.

"They press well and score goals and the two goals they scored were from high pressing.

"The Dutch teams play very good football and PSV know what to do with the ball."

This will be PSG's first ever European meeting with PSV, with the Parisiens only meeting with a Dutch side coming against Ajax in the 2014-15 group stage, winning one of those games and drawing the other.

After PSV, the Ligue 1 champions will face Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, though he said the team's priority focus was on Eindhoven. 

"The next game is always the most important one because that is the one you can control," the Spaniard said.

"With the new format of the Champions League, every home game is even more important. That also goes for PSV."

But Tuesday's hosts will be confident of a victory, with PSV having picked up just two wins in 18 away major European visits to French clubs (drawn nine, lost seven). 

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was full of praise for Senny Mayulu after the teenage midfielder impressed in Saturday's 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Strasbourg. 

The 18-year-old scored PSG's opener as they recorded their sixth win in eight league games this season, remaining ahead of Monaco on goal difference at the summit. 

With Warren Zaire-Emery having already netted this term, PSG are the only team in the top five European leagues to have two goalscorers born in 2006 or later this campaign.

Meanwhile, only two starters – Willian Pacho (92.5%) and Milan Skriniar (96.5%) – bettered Mayulu's passing accuracy of 92.3% and only Joao Neves (18) contested more than his 16 duels. 

"He's showing he has great potential, personality, and skills," Luis Enrique told DAZN of Mayulu. 

"He's very effective in the box. He scored tonight but could have had two more. I'm very happy for him.

"He's a player for the future, I'm very satisfied that he stayed in Paris. We'll have a lot of joy with him."

Luis Enrique's side, fielding a young lineup that includes fellow teenagers Desire Doue and Zaire-Emery, have now scored 25 goals in eight league matches.

"There must be matches with tension, and for young players to develop, I believe they need to feel our trust in them and have the chance to play in these types of games," he added. "I think that's what we have demonstrated since last season."

Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in also scored during the match, showcasing the team's well-rounded attacking prowess.

"My goal is to develop the team. In the past, the team relied on individual talent but that’s no longer the case. We have many players who can score, but I don't care who scores or makes the assists," Luis Enrique said.

"What matters to me is that everyone contributes to both attack and defence. The objective is to win titles and to play in the best possible way."

PSG will next face PSV on Tuesday in the Champions League, having been beaten by Arsenal last time out in the competition. 

Paris Saint-Germain scored three second-half goals as they thrashed Strasbourg 4-2 and returned to the top of the Ligue 1 table. 

They leapfrogged Monaco, who drew earlier in the day, thanks to goals from Senny Mayulu, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in on Saturday.

PSG midfielder Mayulu, who had struck the post moments before, broke the deadlock in the 18th minute after finding himself unmarked in the box and unleashing a powerful shot that soared into the roof of the net.

Asensio extended the lead just two minutes after the break, standing in the right place to deftly knee in a rebound from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who had parried Desire Doue's attempt.

While PSG dominated the match, Strasbourg seized their opportunity when Sekou Mara pulled one back in the 58th minute.

Barcola was denied a penalty by a VAR review but stroked in their third goal moments later before Saidou Sow was handed a reprieve after putting the ball into his own net, only for play to be pulled back for an offside in the build-up.

The score still was not done though, as substitute Lee coolly slotted into an empty net before Pape Diong halved the deficit once again from a corner in stoppage time.

Data Debrief: PSG find their groove

Despite going unbeaten so far in the league this season, Luis Enrique's side have still come under criticism for their performances of late, having gone on a three-match winless run in all competitions before this win. 

PSG have won each of their first four home games of a Ligue 1 season for the fourth time in the 21st century though, after 2017-18 (17 under Unai Emery), 2018-19 (15 under Thomas Tuchel) and 2021-22 (seven under Mauricio Pochettino) - they have won the league on each of those occasions.

But Strasbourg certainly put up a fight - they had 16 shots to PSG's 18, with eight of those on target, just two less than their opponents. They also accumulated 2.22 expected goals (xG), while their hosts registered 3.63.

Despite a tough start to Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 title defence, Luis Enrique is happy with his side's early season form. 

PSG are unbeaten in the league and sit second in the standings behind Monacho, who have a two-point lead.

The reigning champions have drawn two of their seven games so far, including their last outing against Nice, though both stalemates have come away from home. 

They have also lost one of their opening two Champions League games, being outclassed by Arsenal in their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, meaning they are winless in two outings in all competitions.

The manager, who would not comment on media reports that he has extended his contract at PSG until there is official confirmation from the club, remained upbeat as his side prepare for Saturday's home game with Strasbourg.

"The start of the season in general has been very positive, even more positive than I imagined," Luis Enrique said at a press conference on Friday.

"Throughout the season, it is not a linear process, there are better moments and less good moments. We haven't had any bad spells yet.

"We would like to win every game, but that is not possible in football."

The Strasbourg game comes after an international break where many of PSG's players were in action, and the manager accepts this will be a factor in the match.

"We have to bear in mind playing time with international teams, travel time, and fatigue. So, of course, that is going to have an effect on the team on the pitch tomorrow," he added.

"We need to win tomorrow, but it will not be easy. It is never easy to come back after the international break."

The international break can also have its positive sides. One player who has struggled at PSG this season but shone for his country is forward Randal Kolo Muani, who scored both goals in France's 2-1 win in Belgium on Monday.

"That is certainly good news for me as a coach, to see our international players getting good results, produce strong performances, scoring goals, defending well," Luis Enrique said.

"The better they play for their national teams, the better for me."

Strasbourg are seventh in the standings, seven points behind PSG, but they have lost only once this season, and Luis Enrique expects a tough but open game.

"They score goals, they press high, they are dangerous, they are not worried about one-on-one situations," the Spaniard said.

"It will certainly be really difficult, well contested, and I think both teams will have chances."

Precisely 20 years ago, the player many consider to be the greatest of all time made his senior debut.

At the age of 17, Lionel Messi made his first appearance in LaLiga on October 16, 2004, replacing goalscorer Deco from the bench in Barcelona's 1-0 win at Espanyol. He was, at the time, the club's youngest player to feature in an official game.

The rest, as they say, is history – 846 goals, eight Ballons d'Or and 43 senior team honours later, Messi has certainly cemented his place among the all-time greats.

On the 20th anniversary of his first professional outing, we celebrate the Argentine maestro by delving into the best facts and figures of his glittering career.

From prodigy to club legend

Messi's crowning achievement may have come on the international stage, but it was at Barcelona where he became a great, after joining their famed academy aged 13.

By the time of his 2021 departure, Messi had cemented himself as Barca's all-time leader for appearances (766) and starts (687) in all competitions, scoring an incredible 664 goals for the Blaugrana – comfortably ahead of Cesar Rodriguez's 232, previously recognised as the club record.

Messi averaged a goal every 94 minutes during his 17-year stint in the club's senior team, while his 260 assists were some 123 more than Xavi (137), who boasts the second-best figure since Opta records began.

All in all, Messi directly contributed to a staggering 924 goals while at Barca. The next-best figure by a single player in that time belongs to Luis Suarez, who managed 295 (198 goals, 97 assists).

The Argentine lifted 35 trophies – including LaLiga 10 times and the Champions League on four occasions – during his time at Camp Nou, also a record tally for any Barca player.

No love in Paris

When financial troubles left Barca unable to renew Messi's contract ahead of the 2021-22 season, he bid a tearful farewell to his adopted home and joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi did contribute to two Ligue 1 title wins in as many seasons with the club, yet his time in Paris was not altogether happy, with early Champions League exits at the hands of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich giving way to fan protests.

Messi did win his seventh Ballon d'Or during his debut campaign in France, though, partly as a result of Argentina's 2021 Copa America triumph.

His 26 league appearances in 2021-22 were his fewest in any league campaign since 2006-07, when he was still a teenager, and he was limited to just six goals and nine assists in the French top flight.

Sixteen goals and as many assists followed in 2022-23, and through his two years in Ligue 1, only Kylian Mbappe (79) and Wissam Ben Yedder (55) bettered his overall tally of 55 goal involvements in the competition.

To the Sunshine State

A fractious relationship with PSG's fans and a lack of continental success made Messi's stay in France unhappy, and in 2023 he went Stateside, joining David Beckham-owned MLS franchise Inter Miami.

Success was immediate as Messi fired the Herons to Leagues Cup glory in August 2023. By the end of that particular campaign, Messi's 10 goals in seven matches put him third in Inter Miami's all-time goalscoring charts without even appearing in a league game.

The 2024 Supporters' Shield followed last month, and Messi is the hot favourite to be named MLS MVP after a brilliant individual campaign, the highlights of which include a 10-match run with a goal involvement to start the season and five assists in May's 6-2 rout of the New York Red Bulls, a game in which he also scored.

No player had previously had six goal involvements in an MLS game, or teed up five goals for team-mates in a single match, nor had Messi previously achieved either feat for club and country.

Only Luciano Acosta (30), Evander (29), Cucho Hernandez, Denis Bouanga and Christian Benteke (all 28) have bettered his 27 direct goal involvements in regular-season play this year. The most impressive part? Messi has only started 15 games. 

International glory

It now seems unthinkable to imagine Messi being maligned by Argentina fans, but that was the case for the majority of his career as he struggled to live up to Diego Maradona's achievements in the Albiceleste shirt.

However, back-to-back Copa America successes in 2021 and 2024, coming either side of a remarkable run to World Cup glory in 2022, have altered that perception for good.

Messi was named Player of the Tournament and scooped the Golden Boot as Argentina ended their 18-year wait for silverware at the 2021 Copa, but it was Qatar 2022 that saw him really cement his legacy.

Only Poland – in Argentina's third group game – prevented Messi from scoring as he ended the tournament with seven goals and three assists, including two strikes and a successful spot-kick in the shoot-out win over France in the final.

Only Gerd Muller (10 goals, three assists in 1970), Just Fontaine (13 goals in 1958) and Sandor Kocsis (11 goals in 1954) have ever bettered that figure at a single World Cup.

His 21 overall goal contributions at the World Cup are the most in tournament history, while he is the only player to win the Golden Ball award at two separate editions – doing so in 2014 and 2022.

This year's Copa America gave Messi a chance to further underline his international legacy, and though he was withdrawn due to injury in the final, Argentina got the job done against Colombia. 

Messi opted against calling it quits there, though, and Tuesday's hat-trick against Bolivia saw him equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most trebles in international football, with 10. 

His tally of 112 Argentina goals puts him some way adrift of Ronaldo's tally of 133 for Portugal, though his recent run of international trophies more than makes up for it. 

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was not disheartened by seeing his side relinquish top spot following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Nice in Ligue 1.

PSG were forced to come from behind to maintain their unbeaten start to 2024-25, with Nuno Mendes cancelling out Ali Abdi's opener early in the second half.

The French champions were unable to find a winner despite enjoying 71.1% of the possession and attempting 19 shots to Nice's eight. Nice's possession share of 28.8% was their lowest in Ligue 1 since December 2011 (28.7% versus Lille).

The result leaves PSG second in the table with 17 points, two adrift of Monaco.

It is the second season in a row that PSG have not led Ligue 1 after seven matchdays, having sat fifth at this stage last term. They topped the table after seven games in five of the previous six campaigns (second in 2020-21).

"We are at the beginning of the season. The start seems promising to me. I like what I see. I think it's a much better start than last season," Luis Enrique told a press conference on Sunday.

"Grades are given at the end of the season. When the season is over we'll see the grade... 

"The important thing is to win the league. The most important thing is to be in contention for all the titles."

The Spaniard did add, however, that simple errors had proven costly, saying: "There was a level of inaccuracy from most of the players that was not usual and a lot of very simple technical actions, easy passes, situations that we normally solve, a very high number of unusual mistakes.

He was, though, proud of his players' reaction to falling behind midway through the first half.

"I am especially proud after a bad first half. A really bad one. I'm proud of their spirit. They concentrated on the game, on trying to turn the game around," he said.

PSG face Strasbourg in their next league game on October 19, before taking on PSV in the Champions League three days later. 

Paris-Saint-Germain missed out on the chance to reclaim top spot in Ligue 1, with Nuno Mendes saving a point in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Nice on Sunday. 

Nice started brightly and caused havoc as PSG struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages. Ali Al-Abdi soon took advantage of their visitors' lacklustre start, opening the scoring six minutes before half-time with a powerful strike from a corner.

Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped in midweek for the Champions League, orchestrated their equaliser, picking out Mendes, whose deflected shot beat the keeper to hit the back of the net seven minutes after the break.

They almost had a second moments later, Marquinhos rising high to meet Lee Kang-in's cross, only to see his powerful header rebound off the post.

Nice held firm despite the late pressure from PSG as goalkeeper Marcin Bulka kept out good efforts by Vitinha and Dembele.

It leaves PSG two points behind leaders Monaco heading into the international break.

Data Debrief: PSG's total dominance does not come to fruition

It has been a fairly disappointing week for PSG, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, and failed to re-close the gap to Monaco at the top of the league by dropping points. 

They had 19 shots against Nice, with 14 of those coming in a dominant second half. Seven of those after the break were on target, while Gianluigi Donnarumma did not face a single effort at the other end. 

However, they only managed 0.97 expected goals (xG) - Mendes' goal came from a strike worth just 0.05 - and they could not find a late winner despite their best efforts.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique does not regret dropping Ousmane Dembele for disciplinary reasons for their midweek Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

Dembele has stepped up to lead PSG's attack this season after Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid, scoring seven goals and adding four assists in all competitions.

However, the France international was left out of Luis Enrique's squad for Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, where they only managed two shots on target in a flat attacking display.

It was reported that Dembele's omission was the result of a dispute with Luis Enrique, who stands by his decision to leave him out.

"When a player doesn't meet their obligations, this is the sort of thing that can happen. Everything is now in order," Luis Enrique said ahead of Sunday's trip to Nice.

"I'm tough when I have to be tough and more permissive when it is needed. That is one of my big skills as a coach and as a person... 

"Every player has a series of obligations to meet, so every player who does that is available.

"If they make a serious mistake, I will make the right decision, whether it is easy or difficult. I have no issue in doing that even if it seems difficult because we always think about what is best for the team."

Ligue 1 leaders PSG are unbeaten with 16 points, ahead of Monaco on goal difference.

"We're doing well. After analysing the game [against Arsenal], we've changed our mentality and we're back in league action, ready to compete. That is a good thing because if you lose, there is a game straight after," Luis Enrique said.

"We are imperfect, we will improve but I am certain that this team will fight in all competitions. If we replay this match against Arsenal, at home at the Parc des Princes, perhaps the result will not be the same."

Nice are ninth under new coach Franck Haise and Luis Enrique believes his side face a daunting task in breaking down a defence that has only been breached six times. 

"They have a well-known coach with a personality that he instils in his teams... They play at a high level, so it will be difficult. They press high up the pitch and are strong on the ball," he said.

"They defend well and it will certainly be tough. It has always been a difficult place to go but we are motivated to continue doing what we are doing to stay top of the table."

Luis Enrique explained he axed Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain's squad for the Champions League encounter at Arsenal for the good of the whole team.

French media reported the PSG head coach had a discussion with his star winger following PSG's 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday and has been omitted from the squad to face the Gunners due to disciplinary reasons.

Luis Enrique said there was no argument between himself and Dembele but explained why he took the decision he did.

"If someone doesn't comply with the requirements of the team, it means that they are not ready," Luis Enrique told a press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash at Emirates Stadium.

"It means in such an important week, with such an important game coming up, we need every player to be fully available.

"My objective is to do the best for the team and that was my decision."

Luis Enrique was pressed further on making such an important choice, leaving out a player who has scored four league goals in six games, for such a key European game.

"You think it is easy to create a team. You press a button and the 11 best players play and everything goes well," the manager said.

"No, making a team takes a certain amount of circumstances that can be difficult. Yesterday I had to make a difficult decision but I think it is the best decision without any doubt.

"I would make it 100 more times. That doesn't mean the situation is irreversible. But the best situation for the team right now is this, in my opinion."

The coach would not give further details on what happened with Dembele, but said that his job is to create a team and that is what he will continue to do.

"I am not going to make a soap opera out of it, there was no argument between the player and me. There was a problem with the player's responsibility to the team. Nothing else," he said.

"I signed for PSG last season to create a team. That is something I can guarantee. Until the last day that I am in Paris, I am going to make a team.

"A team that is brave, daring, plays good football or tries to. The first day I cannot do that I will go back home."

PSG won their opening Champions League game 1-0 against Girona while Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta. 

Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is the latest player to criticise the fixture schedule, saying he agrees with comments made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

City's Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Premier League clash against Arsenal earlier in September, warned of possible strike action as players face an expanded Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Timber missed most of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has played in all six of Arsenal's Premier League games this term, and is expected to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I totally agree with them," Timber told reporters when asked about Rodri's comments.

"It's a big topic in dressing rooms. I didn't play last season so I'm just enjoying playing now. I totally understand what they're saying.

"Definitely [players are more at risk]. I think it's honestly a dangerous thing. Even last week we played City and City played two days later. That's too much.

"I think it's a really good thing that the players are speaking out now. It doesn't look like it will be getting any less. We're trying to be there every game and give our best, but it gets harder and harder. Especially in England where there's no winter break."

Arsenal drew their opening Champions League group game away at Atalanta and face a PSG side that will be without forward Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped due to disciplinary issues.

But Mikel Arteta says PSG will nevertheless pose a huge threat.

"They are really tough. They dominate every phase of play. They have very clear intentions," Arteta said.

"When they don't have the ball they want it straight back and they confront you. That's Luis [Enrique].

"Anywhere he is, he plays the same context."