Arsenal's 7-1 victory over PSV dominates Champions League last-16 clash
Arsenal are nearly assured of a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals after a resounding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta's side delivered a commanding performance, with only a late penalty from PSV marring their otherwise perfect display.
Arsenal's dominant 7-1 win over PSV puts them on the brink of Champions League quarter-finals.
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PSV initially threatened when Ismael Saibari’s shot rattled the crossbar during a quick counter-attack. However, Arsenal swiftly responded, with Declan Rice threading a ball into the box for Jurrien Timber, who converted with a close-range header.
The Gunners quickly made it 2-0 as Myles Lewis-Skelly's precise delivery set up Ethan Nwaneri for a powerful strike into the net. Arsenal were gifted a third goal when Ryan Flamingo was penalized, allowing Mikel Merino to calmly finish past PSV’s goalkeeper, Walter Benitez.
PSV pulled one back after Thomas Partey fouled Luuk de Jong in the box, and Noa Lang converted the resulting penalty. However, Arsenal reasserted their dominance early in the second half. A low cross from Nwaneri found Martin Ødegaard, who slotted home to make it 4-1. The goals kept flowing as Riccardo Calafiori’s assist put Leandro Trossard on the scoresheet for the fifth. Ødegaard then added his second after a brilliant solo run, before Calafiori sealed the win with a composed finish, courtesy of a smart assist from Ødegaard.
Despite criticism for not signing a striker in January, Arsenal made history as the first team to score seven or more goals away in a Champions League knockout match.
Player Ratings: Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10): Had little to do but was shaky in the final stages.
Jurrien Timber (8/10): Scored the opening goal and was solid defensively.
William Saliba (7/10): Kept things secure at the back when PSV looked dangerous.
Gabriel Magalhães (7/10): Dominated in the air and remained untroubled throughout.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10): Assisted Nwaneri’s goal but was substituted after a yellow card scare.
Midfield
Martin Ødegaard (9/10): Took control in the second half, scoring twice and assisting once.
Thomas Partey (5/10): Conceded a penalty and didn’t have a strong impact elsewhere.
Declan Rice (8/10): A key contributor with his assist for the opener and relentless energy.
Attack
Ethan Nwaneri (8/10): Scored and was a constant threat, giving PSV’s defence no peace.
Mikel Merino (8/10): Scored the third and provided a crucial assist for Ødegaard.
Leandro Trossard (7/10): Took his goal well and played a part in the attack.
Subs & Manager
Riccardo Calafiori (8/10): Played a key role in both a goal and an assist, showing great composure.
Raheem Sterling (5/10): Didn’t make much of an impact in his brief appearance.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10): Slotted into midfield comfortably.
Kieran Tierney (5/10): Had limited involvement.
Ben White (5/10): Barely had a chance to influence the game.
Mikel Arteta (8/10): Masterfully guided his team to an emphatic victory, and will be confident of advancing to the next round.
Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 performance in Eindhoven has put them in a commanding position to progress in the Champions League, with a resurgent display that proves their strength and potential.
