Arsenal delivered a historic performance in the Netherlands, overwhelming PSV Eindhoven with a 7-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Gunners established dominance early on, with Jurrien Timber opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Just three minutes later, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead, converting a precise cut-back from Myles Lewis-Skelly. Despite a scare when Lewis-Skelly, already booked, committed a foul on Richard Ledezma, manager Mikel Arteta promptly substituted him for Riccardo Calafiori to maintain discipline on the pitch.
Before halftime, Mikel Merino capitalized on a defensive error to add a third goal. PSV managed to pull one back through Noa Lang’s penalty after Thomas Partey’s foul on Luuk De Jong.
Arsenal’s relentless attack continued in the second half. Martin Ødegaard netted a close-range goal following a rebound from goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Moments later, Calafiori assisted Leandro Trossard, who elegantly chipped over Benitez for the fifth goal. Ødegaard showcased his skill with a solo effort for his second of the night, and Calafiori sealed the emphatic win with a late goal, marking Arsenal’s record away victory in the Champions League.
This commanding performance addresses recent concerns about Arsenal’s attacking form. Declan Rice had an early goal disallowed for offside, and Ødegaard’s penalty appeal was denied, but these incidents didn’t deter the team’s momentum. Nwaneri’s impressive display, marking his eighth goal in 28 appearances this season, highlights his growing importance, especially in Bukayo Saka’s absence.
With this result, Arsenal has all but secured their spot in the quarter-finals. They now anticipate facing either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, with Real holding a 2-1 advantage from their first-leg encounter.
