Arsenal Sets Champions League Record with 7-1 Rout of PSV
Gunners Cruise to Biggest-Ever Win Away in the Knockout Stage
Arsenal is all but guaranteed to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League after recording the biggest-ever win away in the knockout stage of Europe’s elite tournament, beating PSV Eindhoven 7-1 on Tuesday.
Despite Injuries, Arsenal Proves Ruthless
The Gunners were ruthless in the first leg of their last 16 tie and romped to an emphatic win despite injuries to key forwards including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus.
Midfielder Declan Rice Commends Team’s Performance
“We were fluid. We had enthusiasm, the drive and the hunger,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said. “But we’ve been playing like this all season. We need to keep pushing as a team with the mentality.”
Arsenal Takes Control Early On
After Jurrien Timber headed his team into the lead in the 18th minute, Arsenal went on a rampage. Teenager Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead in the 21st minute from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s assist. Arsenal said it was the first time the two homegrown players had combined to score for the first team, and the first time two English teenagers had ever combined for a goal in the Champions League.
Rice Praises Nwaneri’s Performance
“He’s 17 years old and playing on the biggest stage in football,” Rice said about Nwaneri. “It’s crazy. We see him every day in training, and he and Myles deserve to be playing. You should see them train, the way they have no fear, the way they want to come and perform. It was brilliant tonight.”
Arsenal’s Goals Keep Coming
Mikel Merino — playing up front again because of the absentees — then made it 3-0 and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored twice, with Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori adding more luster to the win. Calafiori entered at left-back shortly after Arsenal’s third goal in the 31st minute, as Lewis Skelly was fortunate not to get a second yellow on a reckless challenge in their own defensive third.
PSV Snaps Back with a Late Goal
Noa Lang later scored PSV’s goal from the spot in the first half down 3-0, which came off a clumsy challenge from Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
Arsenal’s Quarterfinal Hopes
The second leg in London is set for Wednesday, March 12, as the Gunners will look to officially seal their progression at home. Should Arsenal go through, they will meet one of the La Liga giants in Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals. Real Madrid came on top at home in the first leg 2-1, with Brahim Diaz overruling Julian Alvarez’s stunner.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s dominant performance has all but guaranteed their spot in the quarterfinals. With the second leg set to take place on March 12, the Gunners will look to seal their progression and potentially face one of the La Liga giants in the next round.
FAQs
* What was the score in the first leg of the Champions League tie between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven?
+ Arsenal won 7-1
* Who scored for Arsenal in the match?
+ Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ethan Nwaneri
* Who scored for PSV in the match?
+ Noa Lang
* What is the score after the first leg, and will Arsenal qualify for the quarterfinals?
+ Arsenal leads 7-1, and they are all but guaranteed to qualify for the quarterfinals.
