Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie all but secured their place in the quarter-finals.
While history tells us that no team has overturned a six-goal deficit in this competition, manager Mikel Arteta is not taking anything for granted.
The Gunners were ruthless in Eindhoven, breaking forward with precision and punishing every defensive lapse.
They became the first team to score seven goals in an away Champions League knockout match, a record that underlined their growing European credentials.
Despite the scoreline, Arsenal were not perfect. Ismael Saibari rattled the crossbar from close range, and Myles Lewis-Skelly narrowly avoided a second yellow card before being substituted.
Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium should be a formality, but Arteta is demanding full focus.
“We have to earn it,” he said. “Everything went in the right direction for us in the first game, but we have to make sure it goes that way again.”
Arsenal’s draw at Manchester United last weekend was a reminder that they are still a work in progress.
Their attack lacked fluidity, and it took a late strike from Declan Rice to salvage a point. With the Premier League title race slipping away, European success is becoming even more significant.
Arteta has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal should prioritise the Champions League over domestic ambitions.
“We’re going to carry on fighting to win every game,” he insisted. “Success doesn’t depend on us, but we can control our own performances.”
Rotation is likely, with Gabriel Martinelli set for more game time as he continues his recovery. The manager may also look to give opportunities to young players if the game state allows.
“Whenever we have the opportunity to say thank you or to give minutes, we will do,” he said.
PSV are playing for pride. Their 2-1 win over Heerenveen ended a three-game losing streak, but their European journey is nearly over.
They have not kept an away clean sheet in the Champions League since 2016, and Arsenal’s firepower will make that streak difficult to end.
