Arsenal produced a historic Champions League performance with a stunning 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their knockout stage tie. The Gunners were relentless from start to finish, carving through the Dutch champions with breathtaking attacking football.🚀⚽🔥
From Jurrien Timber’s early header to Riccardo Calafiori’s late strike, Mikel Arteta’s men dominated, securing the biggest away win ever in a Champions League knockout match. The victory puts Arsenal in full control ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.
Lineups
Mikel Arteta named a strong side, featuring Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori in the starting XI. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice controlled the midfield, while Gabriel and William Saliba anchored the defense.
For PSV, coach Peter Bosz fielded a team led by Noa Lang, Luuk de Jong, Ismael Saibari, Ryan Flamingo, and Tyrell Malacia, hoping to challenge Arsenal’s dominance.
How the Match Unfolded
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their authority. The opening 10 minutes were played almost entirely in PSV’s half, with the Gunners creating early chances.
Ethan Nwaneri, only the second-youngest player ever to start a Champions League knockout match, was lively from the start. He set up Arsenal’s first chance, but Gabriel couldn’t connect properly. Moments later, Partey slipped a perfect pass to Martin Ødegaard, who almost got a shot away before being knocked off balance inside the box. The referee ignored Arsenal’s penalty appeals.
A special night ♥️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 7, 2025
Watch highlights of our 7-1 win over PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday 👇 pic.twitter.com/2JSZw92kjF
Declan Rice thought he had opened the scoring when he fired into the net, but he was ruled offside in the buildup.
Despite Arsenal’s control, PSV nearly took the lead against the run of play. A low cross evaded David Raya, falling to Ismael Saibari, who blasted the ball onto the bar. The rebound fell to Ryan Flamingo, but his rushed shot went wide, letting Arsenal off the hook.
Devastating First-Half Blitz
PSV’s missed opportunity sparked Arsenal into action. Within moments, the Gunners had scored three goals in 13 minutes.
First, Declan Rice delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Jurrien Timber rose high to head in from close range, giving Arsenal the lead in the 17th minute. It was a sweet moment for the Netherlands international, scoring against the rivals of his former clubs, Feyenoord and Ajax.
Four minutes later, Arsenal doubled their lead. Myles Lewis-Skelly, back in the team after a domestic suspension, twisted and turned inside the box before squaring the ball to Nwaneri, who smashed home at the near post. The goal made history – it was the first time two English teenagers had combined to score in a Champions League match.
PSV were rattled, and Arsenal showed no mercy. In the 30th minute, Mikel Merino capitalized on poor defending inside the box, winning the ball back and calmly slotting into the far corner. Arsenal were 3-0 up and cruising.
However, the hosts found a way back before halftime. Thomas Partey brought down Luuk de Jong inside the box, and the referee awarded PSV a penalty. Noa Lang stepped up and fired past Raya, reducing the deficit to 3-1 before the break.
Arsenal still looked dangerous as the first half closed. Rice forced a superb low save from Walter Benitez, while de Jong missed a close-range header at the other end.
Lightning-Fast Restart
Arsenal stormed into the second half with two quickfire goals within three minutes of the restart.
Ethan Nwaneri, enjoying a brilliant game, beat his marker on the right wing and delivered a low cross. PSV’s goalkeeper, Walter Benitez, could only palm the ball into the feet of Martin Ødegaard, who finished emphatically to make it 4-1.
Seconds later, Arsenal struck again. Leandro Trossard combined beautifully with Riccardo Calafiori on the left wing before dinking a right-footed finish past Benitez. At 5-1, Arsenal had set a new Champions League record – the fastest five goals away from home in knockout history.
Arsenal Keep Their Foot on the Gas
Despite their comfortable lead, Arsenal continued attacking. Gabriel made a crucial block to deny Ivan Perisic, while Nwaneri nearly added another goal after a dazzling solo run.
Trossard thought he had scored again, but his effort was ruled offside. That didn’t stop Arsenal from chasing more goals. Mikel Arteta introduced Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko to add fresh legs.
Ødegaard struck again in the 73rd minute, finishing off a long passing move with a powerful shot that Benitez couldn’t handle. With the score at 6-1, Arsenal’s fans were in dreamland.
The historic night was capped off in the 84th minute, when Ødegaard set up Riccardo Calafiori inside the box. The Italian defender stroked a first-time shot into the far corner, making it 7-1 – the biggest away win in Champions League knockout history.
Post-Match Analysis
Arsenal were simply unstoppable, playing some of their best attacking football under Mikel Arteta. Their high pressing, quick transitions, and clinical finishing left PSV helpless. This was Arsenal’s fifth consecutive Champions League win, their best run in the competition since reaching the 2006 final.
The result also highlighted Arsenal’s incredible squad depth. Youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly shone on the big stage, while seasoned stars like Ødegaard and Rice controlled the tempo.
For PSV, it was a humbling night. Despite moments of attacking intent, they were completely overrun by Arsenal’s firepower.
What the Coaches Said
Mikel Arteta was delighted with his team’s performance: “I knew it was coming. This group has the quality to make history, and tonight they showed it.” While PSV coach Peter Bosz admitted his side was second-best, saying, “We were completely outclassed. Arsenal punished every mistake, and we must respond in the second leg.”
Player of the Match
Martin Ødegaard was sensational, scoring twice and assisting another. The captain controlled the midfield, dictated play, and led by example.
What Next?
Arsenal will welcome PSV to the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday for the second leg, holding a commanding advantage. Before that, they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United in the Premier League – a crucial match in their title race.
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