Home SPORTS UCL: Arsenal Take Commanding Lead with 7-1 Victory Over PSV

UCL: Arsenal Take Commanding Lead with 7-1 Victory Over PSV

Read

Arsenal secured a commanding 7-1 advantage over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.


Arsenal took a significant step towards the quarterfinals with a resounding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie. This triumph marked a reversal of fortunes for the Gunners, who had previously failed to win on any of their four visits to the Philips Stadion.


The match began with Arsenal showcasing their attacking intent, but they were initially denied the opening goal due to Declan Rice being flagged offside before scoring past Walter Benítez. However, the Gunners soon found themselves on the back foot as PSV launched a threatening counterattack. David Raya's palm on Ivan Perišić's low cross created a hazardous situation, and Ismael Saibari's powerful shot rattled the crossbar under pressure from Gabriel Magalhães. Ryan Flamingo then sent the rebound wide, narrowly missing the opportunity to give PSV the lead.


PSV's missed opportunity was quickly punished as Declan Rice delivered a precise pass to the back post, where Jurrien Timber rose to head the ball home. This was followed by another Hale End-produced goal, as Myles Lewis-Skelly provided a square pass that Ethan Nwaneri clinically finished, becoming the third-youngest scorer in a Champions League knockout match.


The goals continued to flow as Mikel Merino capitalized on chaotic PSV defending, finding the bottom corner with ease. However, the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after Thomas Partey fouled Luuk de Jong while defending a corner. Noa Lang confidently converted the penalty, reducing the deficit. Both Rice and De Jong had opportunities to score before halftime, but neither could capitalize. Arsenal regained their three-goal advantage just over a minute into the second half, as Martin Odegaard scored to extend their lead.


In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal scored again just 99 seconds later, as Leandro Trossard combined with Riccardo Calafiori and cleverly chipped the ball over Walter Benítez. PSV attempted to respond, with Luuk de Jong's header being saved, but Ethan Nwaneri continued to pose a threat, forcing Olivier Boscagli to deflect one of his shots behind for a corner. The resulting set piece led to Gabriel heading off-target.


Martin Odegaard further extended Arsenal's lead, gliding to the edge of the box and beating Benítez with a shot that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out despite getting a hand to it. Odegaard then turned provider, setting up Calafiori for Arsenal's seventh goal. This resounding victory marked the Gunners' fifth consecutive win in the UEFA Champions League proper, a feat they last achieved during their run to the final in the 2005/06 season. Moreover, Arsenal inflicted PSV's worst-ever home defeat, effectively securing their spot in the quarterfinals.




Tags :

No comments:

Leave comment here

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Powered by Blogger.