Arsenal delivered a spectacular performance, scoring seven goals against PSV Eindhoven in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage match. This historic achievement marked the first time any team scored seven or more goals away from home in such a critical stage of the competition. The Gunners displayed an attacking masterclass, with their fifth goal arriving as early as the 48th minute, making it the earliest a side has reached that tally in a Champions League away game since Shakhtar Donetsk's 2014 feat.
The match witnessed young talent Ethan Nwaneri making history. At just 17 years and 348 days old, Nwaneri became the third youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout stage, showcasing Arsenal's promising future. The team's Expected Goals Conceded record this season also stands as the best in Europe's top competition, a testament to their defensive solidity.
"They did not have to worry about goals tonight, there was a gulf in class. They had to do it right, they quietened the crowd down. It is carnival time in Eindhoven and they came to have a party but Arsenal soon shut them up." – Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta's reference to the 2006 Gunners team, which reached the Champions League final without conceding a goal from the last 16 to the final, highlighted the defensive aspirations of his current squad. Arsenal tackled questions about their capability to maintain clean sheets throughout the Champions League rounds with this emphatic victory.
Jurrien Timber shared insights into Arsenal's mentality going into the match, emphasizing their desire to "change the narrative" of their season against PSV Eindhoven. This determination was evident as Arsenal fielded six full-backs, setting a record and demonstrating tactical flexibility.
Arsenal's recent form in domestic football was mirrored in their European performance, reminiscent of their Premier League run where they won 16 out of 18 matches towards the season's end, amassing 89 points. This match also marked the first time Arsenal scored seven goals in a single game across all competitions since defeating Newcastle 7-3 in December 2012.
"Seventeen years old, playing on the biggest stage of football. It's crazy! We see him every day. All of the lads have taken him under our wing, the same with Myles. You should see them train, they have no fear. And the way they come to perform." – Mikel Arteta
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly's inclusion in the starting lineup marked another milestone, as it was the first time Arsenal started a Champions League game with two teenagers since their match against Galatasaray in September 2014. Declan Rice praised Nwaneri's seamless integration into the team, noting that even with Bukayo Saka's presence, Nwaneri would still earn his place.
"Even if Saka was still here, Ethan would still be in and around the team and getting minutes," – Declan Rice
Declan Rice's involvement was pivotal during Arsenal's triumph over PSV. Known for his creative contributions, Rice had recorded three goals and five assists across 11 games between March and May last year, underlining his influential role in Arsenal's dynamic play.
"A massive performance. Now onto the home game, nothing's done yet. We'll see what happens." – Mikel Arteta
Arteta remained focused on upcoming challenges, acknowledging that despite their commanding performance, the tie isn't over yet. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as Arsenal prepares for the return leg.
"It was incredible how they shifted the ball and it opened up. The movement was very good. Merino playing as a nine, I watched him closely. If he was not touching the ball, he was occupying then centre-halves and making space for Rice and Odegaard to make late runs." – Mikel Arteta
Arteta lauded his team's strategic movement and ball distribution, particularly highlighting Merino's role in creating space for Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to exploit PSV's defense.
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