A Night of Firsts and Triumphs
Declan Rice (left) celebrates with team-mate Riccardo Calafiori, the scorer of Arsenal’s seventh goal at the Philips Stadion. It was a night that will be etched in the memory of Arsenal fans and players alike. PSV Eindhoven, a proud and historically significant Dutch club, arrived with ambitions of causing an upset in the Champions League round of 16. Instead, they left as the most heavily defeated team in the competition’s history, conceding seven goals away from home. For Arsenal, this victory was a cathartic release of pent-up tension and frustration, culminating in a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and creativity.
A Collective Masterclass
From the outset, it was evident that Arsenal would have ample space to play. The visitors’ early dominance was highlighted by goals from six different scorers: Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard (twice), Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Riccardo Calafiori. The scoreline was nothing short of extraordinary, and it reflected the sheer incompetence of PSV’s defending. Peter Bosz’s players seemed as disorganized as they were beleaguered, making mistakes that would be embarrassing even in a garden-variety friendly, let alone a Champions League knockout match.
Ethan Nwaneri: The Teenager Who Stole the Show
Among Arsenal’s standout performers, Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old prodigy, was particularly notable. He scored one goal and created another, becoming the second-youngest Arsenal player to appear in the Champions League knockout rounds, after Cesc Fàbregas. Nwaneri’s self-confidence and decisiveness drew comparisons to young Wayne Rooney, who was in the stands as a pundit. "Seventeen years old, playing on the biggest stage – it’s crazy," said Declan Rice. "We see him every day. All the lads have taken him under our wing, the same with Myles [Lewis-Skelly]. You should see them train. They have no fear. Even if Bukayo Saka was still here, Ethan would be getting minutes. He is that good."
The Oddegaard Effect
Martin Ødegaard, the team’s creative linchpin, had a hand in three goals for the first time as an Arsenal player, contributing two goals and one assist. This was a welcome return to form for the Norwegian, who had been somewhat subdued in recent games. His through pass to Calafiori, which led to the seventh goal, was a masterpiece of precision and timing. "We had a little extra focus on finishing after the last few games," said Ødegaard. "We know we have the quality, we have done it so many times. Doing it at this level, it’s really fun to play. We know we have that level so it was good to get everything out there."
PSV’s Night to Forget
PSV’s performance was a stark contrast to their usual standards. The home side’s defensive disarray was palpable, with players stumbling over each other in laughable attempts to clear the ball. Even their goal, a penalty scored by Noa Lang, did little to stem the tide. After conceding four goals in quick succession, the game was effectively over. The home team’s inability to maintain any semblance of organization meant they were stretched from front to back, leaving large gaps for Arsenal to exploit. "This was a terrible night for us," admitted Peter Bosz. "We had no chance. They were better in every aspect of the game."
Looking Ahead
The final score of 7-1 was a record-breaker for Arsenal, who last scored seven goals in a single game back in December 2012 against Newcastle in the Premier League. While this result brings the tie to a virtual conclusion, Mikel Arteta remains cautious. "There is still a job to do in London," he insisted. However, the mood in the Arsenal camp is decidedly upbeat. The manager praised the team’s fluidity and courage, highlighting the contributions of Timber and Calafiori. "This is the team I want to see, one that takes initiative and wants to make things happen," he said.
Wayne Rooney, now a pundit, pointed out that this result gives Arsenal a significant advantage as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League match at Old Trafford. "Mikel Arteta now has the opportunity to rest players in midweek," Rooney noted. "He won’t say it, but this tie is over. So Arsenal can go full throttle on Sunday." The victory not only boosts Arsenal’s morale but also underscores their potential to compete at the highest level, even with a young and occasionally undermanned squad.
