Eindhoven has been alive with carnival celebrations in recent days, but on Tuesday, it was Arsenal who turned the city into their own festival of football. Mikel Arteta’s men put an end to their recent struggles in front of goal with a stunning 7-1 triumph over PSV Eindhoven, making Champions League history in the process.
With this emphatic result, Arsenal became the first club to score seven goals in an away fixture during the knockout rounds of the competition. The victory was also their highest-scoring match since dismantling Newcastle 7-3 in the Premier League over a decade ago.
Arteta acknowledged the significance of the achievement but remained grounded in his response. “It’s obviously a great milestone, something that hasn’t been done before,” he said. “But we have bigger ambitions as a team, and the most important thing is that we are in a strong position to progress. There’s still work to do in London next week.”
Arsenal had gone two consecutive matches without finding the back of the net, playing out a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest before a 1-0 defeat to West Ham. This result, however, erased any doubts about their attacking form.
Former striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, praised the performance, highlighting Arsenal’s efficiency in front of goal. “They were clinical, and their link-up play was brilliant. Martin Odegaard looked back to his best, and their center-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba was outstanding. Arsenal look like serious contenders.”
Ruthless Arsenal share the goals
With key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz unavailable due to injury, Arsenal relied on multiple contributors to secure the commanding win. Martin Odegaard netted twice, while Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori all got on the scoresheet, demonstrating the squad’s attacking depth.
Declan Rice, who had a goal disallowed for offside, emphasized the team’s unity and hunger. “We’ve been playing this way all season,” he said. “Sometimes we score plenty, sometimes not, but everything clicked today. We were fluid, aggressive, and full of belief.”
The comprehensive victory has all but sealed Arsenal’s place in the quarter-finals, where they are likely to face one of Madrid’s giants. Real Madrid edged Atletico 2-1 in their first-leg encounter, with the return fixture set to determine Arsenal’s next opponent.
Nwaneri’s rise continues
At just 17 years old, Ethan Nwaneri continues to justify the excitement surrounding his potential. Filling in for the injured Bukayo Saka, the teenager delivered yet another impressive performance, bringing his tally to eight goals in 28 appearances this season.
Nwaneri’s output puts him in elite company, nearing the records set by Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, who both scored nine times before turning 18. With just over two weeks until his birthday, the youngster has the opportunity to surpass their achievements.
“He doesn’t need any extra motivation,” Arteta said. “His intent is always clear, and I’m really pleased with his performance. Now, it’s about doing it consistently in the next game.”
Nwaneri also entered the history books as the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout fixture, behind Bojan in 2008 and Jude Bellingham in 2021. Declan Rice highlighted the impact of the young talents stepping up in Arsenal’s squad. “They train without fear, and they fully deserve to be here,” he said. “Even if Saka were available, Ethan would still be getting minutes because of his work ethic and talent.”
Another academy product, Myles Lewis-Skelly, also featured from the start but was substituted before halftime to avoid a potential red card. The 18-year-old, who had already been booked, made a late challenge on Richard Ledezma, prompting Arteta to withdraw him as a precaution.
Captain Martin Odegaard praised the young players’ confidence. “They play like they’ve been part of the first team for years. Their quality and composure are remarkable,” he said. He also commended Lewis-Skelly for handling his early exit maturely, saying, “He understood the situation. It’s all part of the learning process, and we’re here to support him.”
With Arsenal in formidable form, they will look to complete the job in London next week and continue their pursuit of European glory.
