Arsenal defeated PSV 1-0 at home thanks to Granit Xhaka's volley, which gave the Gunners qualification for the Europa League's knockout rounds with two games remaining.
Mikel Arteta fielded a strong team as Arsenal sought to advance from Group A on Thursday, but PSV appeared poised to delay them after putting on a staunch defensive performance.
Up until the 70th minute, Walter Benitez successfully held Arsenal at bay, but Xhaka skillfully deflected a right-wing delivery into the bottom left corner to secure the hosts' victory.
While Arsenal is now guaranteed a position in the Europa League's knockout rounds, a point in the return match the following week will ensure them top spot and a bye to the tournament's round of 16.
In the early exchanges, as Arsenal besieged PSV's goal, Xhaka and Gabriel Jesus both dragged left-footed attempts wide. Kieran Tierney also sent a wild volley over.
After 41 minutes, Fabio Vieira blasted a free kick wide of the bottom-left corner, and Arteta's team was unable to muster a shot on goal before halftime as PSV held firm.
After the break, Arsenal played better, but after an outstanding one-on-one save to stop Bukayo Saka after 53 minutes, Benitez turned aside Jesus' shot after the Brazilian made a slaloming run.
Then Eddie Nketiah sent a shot just wide of the left-hand post.
But just as Arsenal seemed to be at a loss for words, Xhaka had the last word.
The Switzerland international turned in response to Takehiro Tomiyasu's delivery and sent a right-footed attempt from just inside the box beyond Benitez's dive, securing Arsenal's victory.
WHY DOES THAT MATTER? - PERFECT GUNNERS' ADVANCEMENT
For the seventh time in as many seasons participating in the league, Arsenal started their Europa League campaign with three consecutive victories. However, the Gunners had only ever won their fourth group game in one of those prior cases (in 2020-21).
Arsenal controlled the whole match, managing 25 efforts to PSV's four, with the Gunners' opportunities worth 2.6 anticipated goals, demonstrating Arteta's ambition to secure a top-two berth with time to spare (xG).
Arsenal controlled the whole match, managing 25 efforts to PSV's four, with the Gunners' opportunities worth 2.6 anticipated goals, demonstrating Arteta's ambition to secure a top-two berth with time to spare (xG).
After waiting patiently at the Emirates, Xhaka's goal was the least the Gunners deserved, and Arsenal will now be extremely confident of winning Group A.
XHAKA CONTINUES THE PATH OF REDEMPTION
Few players have had a career turnaround as remarkable as that of Xhaka; previously viewed as unnecessary and disparaged by his own fans, the combative midfielder has established himself as a leader in Arteta's talented young team.
Xhaka's goal on Thursday was his first for Arsenal to not be scored with his left foot, and he has already scored three more goals this season than he did in his previous three seasons put together.
NEXT, WHAT?
On Sunday, Arsenal will play Southampton in the Premier League in an effort to keep up their impressive start, while PSV will travel to Groningen for an Eredivisie matchup the same day.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0