Arsenal Thrash PSV 7-0 in Dominant Display to Edge Closer to Quarter-Finals

Arsenal secured an impressive 7-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash, breaking a streak of four winless matches at the Philips Stadion.

The Gunners started brightly but had an early goal disallowed when Declan Rice was caught offside after firing past Walter Benítez.

PSV posed a significant threat shortly after, as David Raya deflected Ivan Perisic’s low cross into a perilous position. Ismael Saibari struck the crossbar under pressure from Gabriel Magalhães, while Ryan Flamingo sent the follow-up shot off target.

That missed opportunity was quickly punished when Rice lifted the ball to the back post, allowing Jurrien Timber to rise above the defenders and head it in.

Only three minutes later, another talent from Hale End delivered, as Myles Lewis-Skelly set up Ethan Nwaneri, who finished with precision, making him the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match.

Lewis-Skelly managed to avoid being booked despite some near misses, while Mikel Merino took advantage of shambolic PSV defending to slot one into the bottom corner for a third Arsenal goal.

However, the home side got a glimpse of hope in the 43rd minute when Thomas Partey fouled Luuk de Jong during a corner, leading to Noa Lang confidently converting the resulting penalty.

Both Rice and De Jong had close attempts before halftime, but Arsenal restored their three-goal lead just after the break thanks to Martin Odegaard.

Remarkably, just 99 seconds later, Leandro Trossard connected well with Riccardo Calafiori before chipping the ball over Benítez.

PSV tried to respond, with De Jong’s header saved, yet Nwaneri continued to be a threat. One of his attempts was deflected behind by Olivier Boscagli, leading to a corner that saw Gabriel head wide of the target.

Odegaard then elegantly moved to the edge of the box, finding the net despite Benítez getting a hand to his shot.

The Norwegian also assisted Calafiori to register Arsenal’s seventh goal, solidifying a stunning fifth consecutive victory in the Champions League – a feat not achieved since their run to the final in the 2005/06 season.

Additionally, Arsenal handed PSV their heaviest home defeat to all but secure their passage to the quarter-finals.