Arsenal produced a devastating attacking display to demolish PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Netherlands, taking a commanding lead in their Champions League last-16 tie. The Gunners scored three goals in the first half and four in the second, effectively securing their place in the quarter-finals even before next week’s second leg.
PSV’s Ismael Saibari hit the crossbar early on, but Arsenal soon took control. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Ethan Nwaneri, continuing to impress in Bukayo Saka’s absence, doubled the lead just three minutes later, finishing powerfully after a clever cutback from Myles Lewis-Skelly. Nwaneri, at 17, became just the third English player to start a Champions League knockout stage match while under 18, joining Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Lewis-Skelly himself was lucky to remain on the pitch after a foul, having earlier received a yellow card. Mikel Arteta substituted him for Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Merino added a third before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up. Noa Lang pulled a goal back for PSV from the penalty spot after Thomas Partey fouled Luuk De Jong.
Arsenal’s dominance continued in the second half. Martin Odegaard scored from close range after PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez parried a cross. Substitute Calafiori then combined brilliantly with Leandro Trossard, who chipped the ball over Benitez for Arsenal’s fifth just one minute later.
Odegaard scored his second with a fine individual effort, and Calafiori capped off the rout with a late goal, securing Arsenal’s record away win in the Champions League.
The emphatic victory means Arsenal can start planning for the quarter-finals, where they will likely face either 15-time champions Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid won their first-leg 2-1 on Tuesday, with the second leg to be played at Atletico.
Arsenal Rediscover Attacking Form
Prior to the match, questions had been raised about Arsenal’s attacking struggles, with the team failing to score in three of their previous four matches. However, the Gunners responded emphatically, displaying a ruthless efficiency that had been missing in recent weeks.
Declan Rice had a goal ruled out for offside, and Odegaard felt he should have been awarded a penalty, as Arsenal signaled their attacking intent early on. The performance was a significant turnaround, given the absence of several key attacking players through injury.
PSV’s defensive weaknesses were also a major factor. The Dutch side have kept only one clean sheet in 14 matches since the start of the year, and manager Peter Bosz’s tactics were questioned before the game. Those concerns proved well-founded as Arsenal repeatedly exploited PSV’s defensive frailties. Nwaneri’s goal, his eighth in 28 appearances across all competitions this season, further highlighted his burgeoning talent and ability to step up in the absence of established stars. Timber had suggested before match that it was a chance for the team to “change the narrative of their season”. Arsenal PSV
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