Arsenal’s last Champions League fixture ended in a 1-1 draw after PSV rallied from a goal down at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta rotated his troops for the trip, but the Gunners still put in a performance. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the 42nd minute before Yorbe Vertessen equalized for PSV, who have won all 15 Eredivisie games this season.
Despite failing to beat Arsenal, PSV still qualified for the round of 16 by completing a second-place finish in Group B, one point ahead of Lens. The French club beat Sevilla 2-1 in the organization match but discovered themselves in the Europa League. Here are the main talking points. . .
Arsenal’s 6-0 win over Lens last time out ensured they finished top of Group B, regardless of how Tuesday’s game went. This allowed Arteta to give some of his marginal players a chance against PSV, adding goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Englishman was sacked to make way for David Raya, who arrived on loan from Brentford in August. Raya has struggled to impress since her move and many enthusiasts would love to see Ramsdale reinstated. Still, Ramsdale fought his way back into the fold.
Ramsdale joined Arsenal’s starting XI through Jakub Kiwior, Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson. Cédric Soares even had the chance to make a rare appearance.
What do you think of Arsenal’s performance against PSV Eindhoven?Let us know in the comments below!
Although Arsenal’s place in the last 16 was already secured, PSV needed to win on Tuesday to advance. He came close to scoring in the early stages, but was prevented from doing so when Gabriel Magalhaes and Ramsdale worked in combination to prevent Ricardo Pepi from getting close to within a few yards. far.
Vertessen then found the outside of the post before Johan Bakayoko’s shot went wide. It became apparent which team needed points. Still, Elneny reminded PSV of Arsenal’s quality by sending a long-range shot that hit the woodwork.
Despite a good start from PSV, it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Nelson made a great one-two with Cedric and discovered Nketiah just inside the box. The striker didn’t have much space, but he made a brilliant right-footed touch. before shooting with the left.
It was a great finale and shows why Arsenal have so much religion in Nketiah. Martin Keown told TNT Sports: “I felt very inspired with Nelson here, a little bit of back and forth and a bit of pace, a really good ball and a sublime finish from Nketiah. A real sniper, this guy is one. “
Nketiah’s goal may make Arteta think twice before trying to sign Ivan Toney. The Brentford forward is currently serving a ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules but will be available for a change in January, with Chelsea also keen to make a move. Brentford could ask for up to £100m for Toney after scoring 20 goals in the Premier League last season.
Arsenal went into the break with a one-goal lead, but PSV quickly equalised. The play started when Malik Tillman discovered Pepi in the box with a good pass. The latter steadied himself before rolling the ball to a Vertessen who rushed to shoot for the first time from the left.
Vertessen opened up his frame and guided his effort towards the goal frame. Luckily for PSV, the winger found the post and the ball went into the net. Arsenal were now in danger of suffering their second European defeat of the season.
Vertessen’s goal forced both teams into action. Nketiah found the side netting – prompting Arsenal fans to mistakenly celebrate a goal for a brief second – and PSV also had their chances. Yet neither side could find a winner. All eyes are now on the knockout stages.
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