Arsenal delivered a stunning attacking display to thrash PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie last night.
Mikel Arteta’s side had struggled for goals in recent weeks, but they emphatically put that behind them in Eindhoven.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring early on before Ethan Nwaneri’s brilliant strike made it 2-0.
Martin Odegaard (2), Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori completed the scoring for Arsenal.
PSV briefly threatened a fightback when Noa Lang converted a penalty, but Arsenal were ruthless in attack, exploiting the hosts’ defensive frailties.
Arteta praised his team’s performance, describing it as a ‘special night’ and a significant result in their European campaign.
The result gives Arsenal a huge advantage ahead of the return leg in London. With a six-goal cushion, they are in a commanding position to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
The night was particularly memorable for Nwaneri, who became the third-youngest scorer in a Champions League knockout tie.
The 17-year-old showcased his intelligence, composure and acceleration, capping his display with a sensational left-footed finish.
Odegaard was another standout performer, dictating the tempo and adding two goals of his own.
Even PSV supporters near the press box applauded the Arsenal captain when he slotted home his second.
The Dutch champions, who had been flying before the winter break, have unravelled in recent weeks.
They are eight points behind Ajax in the Eredivisie and have won just one of their last seven league games.
Arsenal’s fast start set the tone, and they could have conceded early when David Raya’s poor clearance fell to Ismael Saibari, who struck the woodwork.
PSV were punished moments later as Timber powered home Rice’s cross before Nwaneri doubled the lead.
A controversial moment followed when Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped a second yellow card for a late challenge. Arteta reacted by substituting him soon after.
Arsenal’s relentless pressing forced errors from PSV, with Flamingo slipping to allow Merino to make it 3-0.
Lang’s penalty reduced the deficit, but Arsenal responded immediately, with Odegaard finishing after Nwaneri’s run down the flank.
Trossard’s exquisite chip extended the lead before Odegaard and Calafiori rounded off the scoring, securing Arsenal’s biggest-ever away win in the Champions League.
With confidence restored, Arsenal now turn their attention to domestic matters, knowing they are on the brink of a place in the last eight.
This article was written by .
