A Night to Remember: Arsenal’s Stunning Victory in Eindhoven
On September 25, 2002, Arsenal made the journey to the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven to face PSV in the UEFA Champions League, a game that would go down in the club’s history as one of their greatest away performances in the competition. The match began with an almost immediate bang as Gilberto Silva, who had just joined the club, converted a Thierry Henry cross inside 20 seconds. This early goal not only silenced the raucous PSV support but also set the tone for a dominant display by Arsene Wenger’s side. Freddie Ljungberg doubled the lead in the second half with a clinical finish, and Henry sealed the victory with a brace, securing Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League at that time.
A Team of Champions
TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown, who was part of that Arsenal side, recalls the match with fondness. "We swept over them," Keown says. "The team was gathering a lot of experience playing in Europe, and we thrived in that type of charged atmosphere. It was a clear message of what the team was capable of." The Arsenal side of 2002 was a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, having just completed a domestic double and being in the middle of a 49-game unbeaten run. Despite this, the win in Eindhoven was only their first on the road in Europe in nine attempts, but they did so in style, showcasing their attacking prowess under Wenger’s management.
PSV’s Journey and Legacy
For PSV, the disappointment of that night was short-lived. The Dutch side rallied to reach the Champions League semi-finals the following season, where they were narrowly defeated by AC Milan. The 2002-03 PSV team featured several players who would go on to have successful careers, including goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, who later played for Manchester City and Rangers, and defender Kasper Bogelund, who had a notable stint at Blackburn Rovers. Midfielders Mark van Bommel and Johann Vogel, both of whom left PSV for bigger clubs, became key players for their respective teams and the Netherlands national team.
The Arsenal Lineup: A Star-Studded Squad
The Arsenal lineup that evening read like a who’s who of early 2000s football. Goalkeeper David Seaman, who would retire the following year after a brief spell at Manchester City, was a stalwart between the posts. Lauren, known for his penalty-taking skills, was the right-back, while Martin Keown, who had to come off early due to injury, was a key defensive presence. Sol Campbell, who later joined Portsmouth and Notts County, and Ashley Cole, who went on to have a decorated career with Chelsea and LA Galaxy, were part of a defense that was nearly impenetrable.
Midfield Maestros and Striking Talent
In midfield, Gilberto Silva, who scored the opening goal, was a revelation, bringing a blend of toughness and technical skill that raised the bar for the team. Patrick Vieira, the club captain, was a dominant force, and Freddie Ljungberg, who also found the back of the net, was a key component of the ‘Invincibles’ team. Dennis Bergkamp, whose statue stands outside the Emirates Stadium, and Sylvain Wiltord, who scored the Premier League title-winning goal earlier that year, were the creative sparks in attack. Thierry Henry, the two-goal hero of the night, would go on to become Arsenal’s all-time top scorer and a global football icon.
Arsene Wenger’s Legacy
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s longest-serving and most successful manager, was at the helm that night. His impact on the club and English football is immeasurable. After leading Arsenal to the league title the following year and winning seven FA Cups, Wenger left the club in 2018. He has since taken up a role at FIFA as the chief of global football development, continuing to influence the sport at the highest level.
As Arsenal prepare to face PSV in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, the memory of that fateful night in Eindhoven serves as a reminder of the club’s rich European tradition and the kind of performances that can inspire a team to greatness.
