Arsenal produced a dominant performance to dismantle PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Netherlands, all but securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Mikel Arteta’s side set a new competition record for the most goals scored away from home in the knockout stages, marking their biggest European away win.
The Gunners took control early, with Jurrien Timber opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead three minutes later after a well-worked assist from Myles Lewis-Skelly. A defensive error allowed Mikel Merino to add a third before PSV pulled one back from the penalty spot through Noa Lang.
Arsenal maintained their intensity after the break, as Martin Ødegaard capitalised on a rebound to make it 4-1. Substitute Riccardo Calafiori then set up Leandro Trossard for a chipped finish, before Ødegaard’s second and Calafiori’s late strike capped off a ruthless attacking display.
The result places Arsenal in a commanding position ahead of the second leg in London, with a potential quarter-final meeting against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid on the horizon.
Arsenal find their goalscoring form
Having struggled for goals in recent weeks, Arsenal delivered a statement performance in Eindhoven. The absence of a recognised striker did little to hinder their attacking efficiency, with six different players finding the net.
Declan Rice, whose goal was ruled out for offside, praised the team’s fluidity. “We've been playing well all season, but tonight it all clicked,” Rice said. “We had enthusiasm, drive, and hunger, and we got our reward.”
Ødegaard was instrumental in midfield, while centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães provided defensive stability. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton described Arsenal’s display as “ruthless” and suggested they will be a serious contender in the latter stages of the competition.
Nwaneri continues to impress
At just 17 years old, Ethan Nwaneri reinforced his growing reputation with another standout performance. Stepping in for the injured Bukayo Saka, the academy graduate has now scored eight goals in 28 appearances this season.
His strike against PSV made him the third youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match, behind Bojan Krkić and Jude Bellingham. Arteta praised Nwaneri’s attitude, stating, “I’m really impressed with how he’s playing. It’s about consistency now and doing it again.”
Nwaneri’s academy teammate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, also featured but was substituted before halftime to avoid a second booking. Captain Ødegaard backed the young duo, saying, “They play with confidence and quality. We enjoy having them in the team.”
Arteta urges focus despite historic win
While Arsenal’s record-breaking victory has put them in firm control, Arteta remained measured in his post-match comments. “It’s great to be part of history, but the most important thing is we are in a strong position to qualify,” he said. “There is still a job to do in London.”
With a quarter-final spot all but secured, Arsenal will now turn their attention to domestic matters before hosting PSV for the second leg next week.
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