Arsenal vs PSV Report

Scorers: Zinchenko 6’, Rice 37’; Perisic 18’, Driouech 70’

Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven, despite being held to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners’ heavily rotated squad showed glimpses of quality, but PSV twice fought back to earn a share of the spoils on the night.

Early Zinchenko Stunner Sets the Tone

With Arsenal holding a seemingly unassailable lead from the first leg, Mikel Arteta opted to rotate his squad while still fielding a side eager to impress on the European stage.

One of the changes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, made an immediate impact, collecting Raheem Sterling’s pass before unleashing a sensational strike into the net. The Ukrainian’s goal, coming just six minutes into his fifth start of the season, put Arsenal in front early.

PSV had an early chance to respond when Johan Bakayoko latched onto a loose Jakub Kiwior pass, but the winger failed to hit the target. However, the visitors would not be denied for long, as Ivan Perišić struck a stunning effort into the top corner to restore parity.

Arsenal Regain Control as Rice Heads Home

The Dutch side nearly took the lead through Couhaib Driouech, whose curling shot forced a superb fingertip save from David Raya. Arsenal responded swiftly, with Myles Lewis-Skelly going agonisingly close when his shot was deflected onto the post by Walter Benítez.

The Gunners eventually reclaimed their lead in the 37th minute, thanks to brilliant work from Sterling. The winger delivered a pinpoint cross, and Declan Rice rose highest to power a clinical header past Benítez.

PSV had a couple of chances to equalise before the break, with Driouech denied by a crucial block from Gabriel Magalhães, while Benítez rushed off his line to prevent Sterling from adding a third for Arsenal.

Driouech Levels Again as PSV Fight Back

After half-time, Arsenal maintained their attacking threat, with Ben White testing Benítez and Raya making a strong save to deny Isaac Babadi. PSV continued to push forward, with Joey Veerman sending an effort just over the bar.

Substitute Riccardo Calafiori nearly put the hosts out of sight, combining well with Kieran Tierney and Lewis-Skelly before seeing his shot saved. However, PSV found their second equaliser of the evening through Driouech, who marked his first UCL start in style by dinking the ball over Raya.

The visitors sensed an opportunity for a late winner, but Arsenal’s defence held firm. Babadi saw one effort blocked by Calafiori and another saved by Raya, while Sterling was denied by Benítez again after linking up well with Martin Ødegaard.

Arsenal Progress as PSV Exit with Pride

Although Arsenal were unable to secure a sixth consecutive UCL win, the draw had little consequence as they comfortably progressed to the quarter-finals. They now look ahead to a high-profile showdown against either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

Meanwhile, PSV can take pride in their spirited response following the heavy first-leg defeat. Having since beaten Heerenveen domestically, the Dutch side will now focus on their Eredivisie campaign as their European journey comes to an end.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs PSV | UEFA Champions League 2024/25