Arsenal 2-2 (9-3) PSV Eindhoven Player Ratings: Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Special Goal Cut Out As Resilient Eredivisie Side Go Down Fighting

Arsenal played out an entertaining 2-2 draw (9-3 on aggregate) in the second leg of their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday (12 March 2025) at the Emirates Stadium. Despite scoring twice in the first half through Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice, a fighting performance from PSV saw them come back twice from being a goal down through strikes from Ivan Perisic and Couhaib Driouech to go out fighting from the Champions League.

Arsenal played a heavily rotated lineup, with many key first-team players being benched. Despite that, the Gunners positively started the game thanks to the roar of a loud Emirates Stadium crowd. It only took them six minutes to take the lead, as Zinchenko did his best Bukayo Saka impression by weaving into the final third and perfectly slotting a shot into the top corner.

The Gunners continued dominating possession in the early stages and going forward for more, but the visitors refused to sit back for long. In the 18th minute, PSV winger Johan Bakayoko almost capitalized on a misplaced pass from Jakub Kiwior but his shot blazed over the bar. Seconds later, a sweeping break from PSV saw the ball played to Ivan Perisic in the box, and he made no mistake scoring past David Raya.

The Dutch side gained a lot of confidence from this and started to take the fight to Arsenal. In the 19th minute, Couhaib Driouech burst into the final third to test Raya with a dangerous shot. The Gunners, however, started regaining their composure after that. Myles Lewis-Skelly hit the post in the 29th minute after sneaking into the box and it looked a matter of time before they regained the lead.

That happened in the 36th minute when an expert cross from Raheem Sterling was headed home into the back of the net by Rice. Sterling was played through into a one-v-one chance with PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez in the 42nd minute but failed to score past him as the first half finished in eventful fashion. PSV, however, refused to back down without a fight after the break.

They started being a bigger threat on the fast breaks, recovering the ball well and moving it forward with efficiency. Young midfielder Isaac Babadi forced a sharp save from David Raya in the 55th minute after an impressive shot. Substitute Joey Veerman put a shot over the bar after being set up by Babadi two minutes later.

Arsenal substitute Riccardo Calafiori had a decent chance to score in the 68th minute but saw his tame effort saved well. Two minutes later, a sweeping move from PSV saw their winger Couhaib Drioech dink a shot over David Raya with an audacious chipped finish. Babadi continued being a tormenting factor for the hosts, forcing another save from Raya in the 85th minute.

Raheem Sterling had the chance of being Arsenal’s hero towards the end of the match. He got into a prime position in added time but failed to score from close range. Arsenal were held to a frustrating draw in the second leg but went through thanks to their big win in the first leg. Here are Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven Player Ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings

GK – David Raya – 6/10

Raya made a few excellent saves in the second half to keep his side in the game, showcasing impressive reflexes. Ended up being dinked by Driouech for his goal.

RB – Ben White – 4.5/10

White had a pretty forgettable evening as he was troubled by the menacing Driouech. He failed to make any key tackles to keep him quiet, often getting bypassed and looking vulnerable defensively.

CB – Jakub Kiwior – 4.5/10

Kiwior started the game well but lacked the composure or reliability of William Saliba in the backline. He was sloppy in giving the ball away a few times and his questionable positioning led to both the PSV goals.

CB – Gabriel Magalhaes – 6/10

Gabriel had to work hard to cover up for Kiwior’s issues and popped up in the right areas to make some key clearances. But he was also shaky with his positioning at times, playing Perisic onside for his goal.

LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.5/10

The young full-back was full of energy with his positive runs on the left flank, passing the ball forward really well and linking up impressively. He was defensively pretty reliable, keeping Bakayoko quiet, and looked good in a midfield role later on as well.

CM – Jorginho – 5/10

The Arsenal skipper lacked the authority of a defensive midfielder, struggling with PSV’s blistering counter-attacks. He failed to really protect his backline from the constant attacks and was guilty of giving the ball away for PSV’s second.

CM – Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8/10

Zinchenko proved he can excel in a midfield role for Arsenal with an impressive display. He helped Arsenal control things pretty well for the majority of the game, passing the ball forward smoothly and helping link up some beautiful moves. Scored an amazing goal to light up the Emirates Stadium, showing that this might be his best role.

CM – Declan Rice – 7.5/10

Rice was a proactive figure in Arsenal’s midfield, bringing his positive energy to win key duels and help them dominate possession. Got in the right place to score a sweet header, but was taken off early in the second half because of a booking.

RW – Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10

Sterling was a real live wire on the right wing, tormenting the PSV defenders with his unpredictable movement. Bit fortunate to get the assist for Zinchenko’s goal, but he produced a brilliant cross for Rice’s goal. His finishing ability, however, remains questionable.

LW – Kieran Tierney – 6/10

Tierney was energetic and worked his socks off on the left flank for Arsenal. He moved the ball around well and worked hard defensively, but failed to set up anything noteworthy.

CF – Mikel Merino – 5/10

Merino failed to make a positive impact in the makeshift centre-forward role. Despite winning some key duels, he failed to get at the end of any chances.

SUB – Riccardo Calafiori – 6/10

Calafiori added a burst of energy to the Arsenal backline, helping them defend better and also move the ball around nicely.

SUB – Leandro Trossard – 5.5/10

The Belgian winger showcased some encouraging movement, but could not create any big chances.

SUB – Jurrien Timber – 6/10

Helped to add more steel to the Arsenal side late on.

SUB – Martin Odegaard – 5.5/10

Failed to create anything special.

SUB – Gabriel Martinelli – N/R

An energetic late cameo.

Manager – Mikel Arteta – 5.5/10

Arteta decided to play what might be defined as a second-string side because of his side’s 7-1 advantage from the first leg. His approach in the first half was spot on, as he ensured that Arsenal flooded the PSV half and hit them with fast, decisive attacking moves. He failed to stop his side’s energy levels from going down after the break and his substitutions weren’t that good, resulting in the draw.

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PSV Eindhoven Player Ratings

GK – Walter Benitez – 6/10

Benitez was relatively sharp making a few crucial saves but could’ve done better to save Rice’s header. His passing work wasn’t the most promising either.

RB – Richard Ledezma – 6.5/10

Ledezma did a pretty solid job in neutralizing Arsenal’s threat through the left, dealing strongly with Tierney. He put in some sturdy defensive work but was uninspiring when going forward.

CB – Adamo Nagalo – 7/10

Nagalo was a proactive figure in the PSV backline, making a lot of clever runs to neutralize Arsenal’s attacks. He neutralized Merino’s threat with sturdy defending, often getting in the right areas to make crucial challenges and winning duels.

CB – Armando Obispo – 5/10

Obispo was guilty of straying out of his ideal position, being caught in awkward positions in a few Arsenal attacking moves. Gave Zinchenko too much room for his goal and failed to clear the ball before the second goal.

LB – Tyrell Malacia – 5/10

The Manchester United loanee had a troublesome outing at the Emirates Stadium. He struggled to neutralize Sterling’s threat, being outwitted by him for both goals. Recovered with some diligent work after that, but still not that convincing.

CM – Jerdy Schouten – 4/10

The PSV skipper completely failed to hold the fort for his midfield line and struggled with the sheer pace of Arsenal’s attacks. He was repeatedly outwitted by Rice & co, failing to track the runs of players going past him or protect his backline.

CM – Guus Til – 7/10

Til was a major creative threat for his side, making a nice run and playing a sweet pass to set up Perisic’s chance. Moved the ball forward nicely and created a few impressive chances.

CM – Isaac Babadi – 7.5/10

The young midfielder was a breath of fresh air in his side’s midfield. He made some clever runs into the Arsenal half, troubling Raya with some encouraging shots. Set up the second goal with a nice assist too.

RW – Johan Bakayoko – 5.5/10

Bakayoko made a few nice runs into the final third but wasn’t that efficient with his final product. Lacked that spark as some of his teammates.

LW – Couhaib Driouech – 7.5/10

In his first Champions League start, Drioech managed to light up the Emirates Stadium. He was a thorn for Ben White with his excellent forward runs, moving the ball into the danger areas well. Scored a beautiful goal by managing to dip one over David Raya.

CF – Ivan Perisic – 7.5/10

The experienced Croatian forward proved that age is no factor for him. Perisic was a menacing figure for the Arsenal backline, often moving into the empty spaces and linking up nicely. Scored a brilliant equalizer with a sweet finish from inside the box.

SUB – Joey Veerman – 6.5/10

Veerman proved to be an upgrade over Schouten, bringing more stability and steel to the PSV midfield.

SUB – Luuk de Jong – 6/10

Couldn’t use his imposing figure that much, only having a late header go wide.

SUB – Oliver Boscagli – 6/10

Helped to bring more sturdiness to his side’s backline.

SUB – Ryan Flamingo – 6/10

Stopped Arsenal from mounting a late-goal rush.

SUB – Esmir Bajraktarevic – N/R

Manager – Petr Bosz – 6.5/10

Bosz was able to have his side maintain a much sturdier defensive shape for this game and not allow Arsenal to run riot on their half again. Despite the shaky first-half showing, he ensured that his players took the fight to Arsenal, working cleverly on the counter-attacks to trouble them.

Sportsdunia’s Man of the Match for Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven is Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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