Arsenal produced one of the most dominant performances in UEFA Champions League history, thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in their Round of 16 first-leg clash. Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a masterclass in attacking football, setting a new record for the most goals scored in an away knockout match in the competition.
First Half: Arsenal’s Ruthless Efficiency
The match started with an early warning from Arsenal as Declan Rice found the net in the 12th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. PSV responded with a dangerous opportunity when Ismael Saibari hit the crossbar after an initial save from David Raya.
However, Arsenal took control in the 18th minute when Declan Rice delivered an inch-perfect pass to Jurrien Timber, who headed home to open the scoring. Just three minutes later, Ethan Nwaneri capitalized on a Lewis-Skelly cross, doubling the lead.
Despite controversy surrounding a reckless challenge by Lewis-Skelly that could have led to a second yellow card, Arsenal remained composed and extended their lead in the 31st minute. Mikel Merino slotted home amid a chaotic penalty box scramble, making it 3-0.
PSV found a glimmer of hope just before halftime when Noa Lang converted a penalty after Thomas Partey caught Luuk de Jong in the face. The home side entered the break trailing 3-1 but with little indication of the devastation that awaited them in the second half.
Second Half: A Rampant Arsenal Seal the Victory
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance in the second half. Within three minutes, Ethan Nwaneri’s cross forced a weak save from Benitez, allowing Martin Odegaard to pounce and score Arsenal’s fourth goal. Moments later, Leandro Trossard added a fifth with a clinical chip over the PSV keeper.
PSV attempted to respond with a series of near-misses, including a long-range effort from Noa Lang and a Luuk de Jong header that Raya impressively tipped onto the post. However, Arsenal continued their relentless attacking display.
In the 73rd minute, Odegaard struck again with a powerful shot that Benitez could only get a hand to before it found the back of the net. Arsenal’s final goal came in the 85th minute when Odegaard turned provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Riccardo Calafiori, who slotted past Benitez to make it 7-1.
A Night to Remember for Arsenal
This emphatic victory not only secured Arsenal’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals but also cemented their place in history as the first team to score seven goals away in a knockout-stage match. The Gunners displayed a lethal combination of tactical brilliance and clinical finishing, sending a clear message to the rest of Europe.
With the second leg still to come, Arsenal will be full of confidence as they look to continue their march toward Champions League glory. PSV, meanwhile, will need a miracle to overturn this record-breaking deficit.
Final Score: PSV 1-7 Arsenal
Goal Scorers:
Timber (18’), Nwaneri (21’), Merino (31’), Lang (43’ – pen), Odegaard (47’, 73’), Trossard (48’), Calafiori (85’)
