PSV Eindhoven 1-7 Arsenal Player Ratings: Gunners Demolish the Boeren’s away from home in a one-sided UCL clash

Arsenal delivered a scintillating performance at the Philips Stadion, dismantling PSV 7-1 in their Round of 16 Champions League clash. The Gunners were ruthless in front of goal, putting on an attacking clinic that left the Dutch side reeling.

Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the 18th minute through Jurrien Timber, who powered home a header from a pinpoint Declan Rice cross.

The lead doubled just three minutes later, with Ethan Nwaneri firing into the roof of the net following a low cross from Myles Lewis-Skelly. PSV’s defensive woes continued in the 31st minute when Mikel Merino capitalized on a misplaced pass inside the box to slot home Arsenal’s third.

PSV managed to pull one back before halftime when Noa Lang converted from the penalty spot after Thomas Partey was penalized for a foul inside the box. However, the Dutch side’s hopes of a comeback were dashed soon after the restart.

Arsenal came out flying in the second half, and within minutes, Martin Ødegaard extended their lead, pouncing on a rebound to fire into the bottom corner. The floodgates remained open as Leandro Trossard made it 5-1 in the 48th minute, lifting the ball over PSV goalkeeper Walter Benítez after a neat combination with Riccardo Calafiori.

Ødegaard continued his midfield dominance, grabbing his second of the night in the 73rd minute with a strike from outside the box that slipped through Benítez’s hands. Calafiori capped off Arsenal’s stunning display in the 85th minute, latching onto an Ødegaard through-ball before calmly slotting past the keeper to make it 7-1.

With PSV fans leaving the stadium early, Arsenal celebrated a performance of clinical efficiency, scoring seven goals from relatively few chances. PSV, despite some promising attacks, struggled to contain the relentless pace and precision of Mikel Arteta’s side.

This dominant win all but seals Arsenal’s progression to the quarter-finals, barring a miracle in the second leg. The Gunners will now turn their attention to their domestic campaign, buoyed by this emphatic victory.

Here are the PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Player Ratings.

PSV Eindhoven Player Ratings

GK- Walter Benitez- 2/10

Made a few good stops but was let down by his defense. Should have done better with Ødegaard’s second goal, as it slipped through his hands.

RB- Richard Ledezma- 5/10

The defender had a night to forget and tried to do his best but

CB- Ryan Flamingo- 3.4/10

A night to forget for the defender. His misplaced pass gifted Arsenal their third goal, and he was substituted at halftime after struggling in the first half.

CB- Olivier Boscagli- 4.9/10

Couldn’t do much defensively and failed to close down dangerous shots.

LB – Tyrell Malacia- 5.3/10

Picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge and struggled defensively. His delivery was decent, but Arsenal’s attack constantly found space behind him.

CM – Jerdy Schouten- 4.4/10

Put in a hard-working shift but couldn’t win the midfield battle against the spirited Arsenal attack.

CM – Ismael Saibari- 4.6/10

Had the best chance in the opening minutes to give PSV the lead but hit the woodwork with his powerful shot

CM – Guus Til- 6.1/10

The only PSV player who showed some control in midfield, but failed to create anything for the team.

RW- Ivan Perisic- 7.2/10

Was a constant threat in the opposition half with his dangerous deliveries in the box, but had no one to slot them home.

LW- Noa Lang- 7.6/10

Emphatically dispatched a confident penalty to give his team some hope. Was PSV’s most dangerous attacker. Created a couple of good chances and was always willing to take on defenders.

ST- Luuk de Jong- 6.8/10

The experienced Dutch international won PSV a penalty late in the first half which was scored by Noa Lang emphatically. Missed a headed chance to get another goal for his team right before halftime. Had a quiet second half and was replaced by Johan Bakayoko

SUB – Adamo Nagalo- 6.3/10

Came on at halftime to replace defensively struggling Flamingo.

SUB – Rick Karsdorp- 6/10

Came on in the second half to provide defensive stability to an already shattered defence.

SUB – Johan Bakayoko- 6/10

The attacker was brought in to provide fresh legs and a threat in the attacking department.

SUB – Armando Obispo- NA

SUB – Joey Veerman- NA

Manager- Peter Bosz- 3/10

Utter humiliation for the reigning Dutch Champions and the worst-ever Champions League defeat handed over to Peter Bosz’s men. Tactically outclassed by Arteta. His side started well but collapsed after conceding early. His substitutions didn’t have much impact, and PSV had no answers for Arsenal’s ruthless attack.

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Arsenal Player Ratings

GK- David Raya- 6.2/10

The Spanish goalkeeper made some solid saves and dealt with PSV’s corners well. Couldn’t do much about Lang’s penalty but was otherwise dependable.

RB- Jurrien Timber- 8.3/10

Opened the scoring with a powerful header scoring his first Champions League goal, and was solid at the back. Picked up a yellow card for time-wasting but delivered a strong all-around performance.

CB- William Saliba- 7.9/10

Patrolled the defensive half and provided his team the defensive solidity allowing them to move forward freely and go all-out attack.

CB- Gabriel- 7.7/10

Commanding in defence, won key aerial duels, and made crucial blocks. Marshalled the backline well against PSV’s direct play.

LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly- 6.3/10

The 18-year-old looked like a threat moving forward and assisted the second goal for Arsenal with a fantastic cutback. But faced difficulties defensively, picked a yellow card soon after, but was lucky not to be sent off after a reckless challenge. Was replaced by Calafiori just after over 30 minutes in the game.

CM – Declan Rice- 7.9/10

Rice saw his early goal disallowed for offside but redeemed himself by assisting the opener for Jurrien Timber with a lovely cross and giving Arsenal the lead. Was slightly less involved in the second half as Arsenal shifted gears.

CM – Thomas Partey- 6.4/10

Gave away a penalty in the first half and was booked for hauling De Jong to the ground.

CM – Martin Ødegaard- 9.4/10

A true midfield maestro, Ødegaard pulled the strings throughout the match. He registered two goals and an assist, showcasing his composure and vision. His late goal was a bit fortunate, slipping through Benitez’s hands, but his ability to find space and dictate play was world-class.

RW- Ethan Nwaneri- 7.8/10

The 17-year-old scored the second goal for Arsenal soon after their first goal, this was his second Champions League goal for the Gunners. A real bright spark in attack. Was replaced by Raheem Sterling in the second half.

LW- Leandro Trossard- 8.2/10

Scored Arsenal’s fifth goal of the night to stun the reigning Dutch Champions. Enjoyed a lot of space moving forward and got himself in good scoring areas and also saw one of his goals disallowed.

ST- Mikel Merino- 8.6/10

The makeshift striker capitalized on a scrappy moment of play by PSV defenders and scored a third for Arsenal which had to undergo a lengthy VAR check. Also played a smart assist for Ødegaard’s second goal.

SUB – Riccardo Calafiori- 8.5/10

An outstanding performance from the defender-turned-attacker substitute. He grabbed a goal and an assist, making brilliant overlapping runs and contributing heavily to Arsenal’s attacking play. His composure in front of goal for Arsenal’s seventh showed his quality.

SUB – Oleksandr Zinchenko- 6/10

Was brought on to replace Timber and bring his experience to provide more defensive cover to his team. Had a shot at goal saved by Benitez late in the game.

SUB – Raheem Sterling- NA

SUB – Ben White- 6/10

Came on late in the game after returning from injury and provided stability in defence. Picked up a yellow card but had little to do otherwise.

SUB – Kieran Tierney- NA

Manager- Mikel Arteta- 10/10

Mikel Arteta’s side must be in UCL dreamland, they showed immense control and threat every time they moved forward and put relentless pressure on PSV with their high-pressing game. He would also be pleased by his team’s ability to score from open play as they’ve been scoring with set plays in the Premier League. This is also the first time Arsenal won a match at the Philips Stadion after 2002.

The Sportsdunia player of the match goes to Martin Ødegaard for his brilliant performance in the Midfield.

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