LONDON -- Three quick thoughts from Arsenal's 2-2 Champions League group-stage draw with Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates on Wednesday.
1. PSG turn tables on Arsenal with fightback
Paris Saint-Germain turned the tables on Arsenal, fighting back for a 2-2 draw at the Emirates that probably feels more like a loss for the hosts. Lucas Moura's header took a deflection off Alex Iwobi that gave PSG control of their Champions League group and left the Gunners staring at the likelihood of another tough matchup in the round of 16.
While PSG were the better team for much of the night, it was an opportunity missed for Arsenal, who somehow found themselves leading 2-1 in the second half. PSG took an early lead through Edinson Cavani, but Arsenal came back through Olivier Giroud's penalty kick and an unlucky own goal by Marco Verratti.
That lead never felt safe, though, and Moura was left wide open to meet a corner in the 77th minute and head it past keeper David Ospina to bring the visitors level. With both teams tied on points atop Group A, it means PSG now have a better head-to-head record because of away goals scored, after a 1-1 draw between the sides in Paris.
PSG will rue their handful of wasted chances to put the game away before conceding an equaliser, and an Arsenal win here certainly would have been harsh on the visitors. The French champions also had the better chances for a winner, with Cavani's late diving header floating just wide, but it will be Arsenal that are left frustrated from this result.
The Gunners were outplayed for much of the first half but still found a way to respond when Alexis Sanchez was tripped in the box just before the break and Giroud calmly converted from the spot.
Arsenal started the second half much brighter and went ahead after a period of pressure on the visitors' goal. PSG defender Marquinhos was forced to clear the ball after a scramble in the box but only managed to hit the ball straight at Verratti and had to watch as it pinballed into his own net.
It meant Arsenal had scored twice from one shot on target, and while the lead didn't feel entirely deserved, manager Arsene Wenger will rue Arsenal's failure to defend it.
The Gunners had been desperate to finish top of the group to boost their chances of ending their round-of-16 hoodoo by securing an easier opponent. But while PSG could still trip up against Ludogorets in the final round, the Gunners will likely be welcoming another European giant to the Emirates soon.
2. Arsenal still missing attacking verve
Perhaps a draw against the French champions shouldn't be viewed as too much of a disappointment for Arsenal. But they had a real chance make a statement here, and only managed to show once again that something isn't quite right at the moment.
This was their third straight draw after stalemates against Tottenham and Manchester United, and once again Arsenal's performance left much to be desired. Sure, their unbeaten run since the opening day of the season continues, but the attacking verve they displayed for much of September and October has gone missing.
Wenger reverted to playing with Giroud up front and Sanchez on the wing, and while the French striker came up with another goal, it seemed his teammates have largely forgotten how to make the most of his qualities. The Gunners finished with just one shot on target and never managed to carve out any real chances for their striker, with a handful of crosses flying well off target.
The importance of the injured Santi Cazorla will continue to be discussed, especially as Aaron Ramsey struggled to control play from a central midfield position. Ramsey's performance was certainly better than against United, when he was shoehorned in on the wing, but the Welshman still seems short of his best form after a lengthy injury layoff.
Wenger seems unsure of what his best formation is when Cazorla isn't available, and made four lineup changes from the 1-1 draw at United. But it seems clear Wenger's best option is to go back to what was working so well for most of September and October, with Sanchez leading the attack.
So despite his goal, Giroud may have to get used to his role as a super sub.
3. PSG still lack ruthlessness
PSG's European ambitions are still very much intact, but they will have to develop a ruthless side if they want to compete for club football's biggest prize. Twice now they've failed to put away an Arsenal side in the group stages, and they can't afford to be as generous in the knockout stages.
While PSG are in control of their own fate in Group A, questions remain about the Parisians' pedigree among Europe's top sides.
The French side let Arsenal escape with a 1-1 draw in Paris after wasting a handful of chances to put the game away. This time they weren't nearly as profligate, but they had this game largely under control for the first 45 minutes before letting the Gunners back in.
While Arsenal's second goal involved a slice of bad luck, PSG started the second half poorly and handed the initiative back to Arsenal.
The absence of Angel Di Maria and Serge Aurier meant PSG lacked some of their usual pace and creativity down the flanks -- a relief to Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson, no doubt -- but chances are this team will go only as far as Cavani takes them. While he now has 15 goals for the season, he was guilty of another miss here when he headed wide with a chance to make it 3-2.
If PSG are to go far in the competition this year, Cavani will take them there. But whether he has the ruthlessness to do so remains to be seen.