Arsenal stormed Philips Stadion with electrifying attacks, crushing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 with a ruthless first-leg Champions League knockout display.
The Gunners shattered records, becoming the first team to net seven away goals in the competition’s knockout phase during a historic night.
After dominating early, Jurrien Timber ignited the rout, heading home in the 14th minute.
Teenager Ethan Nwaneri then doubled the lead, lashing Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross into the net before Mikel Merino seized a defensive error to slot a third.
Despite Arsenal’s relentless onslaught, PSV briefly rallied when Thomas Partey fouled Luuk de Jong, allowing Noa Lang to convert a penalty before halftime.
However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished early in the second half when Arsenal struck twice in quick succession.
Martin Odegaard pounced on a loose ball to make it 4-1, and Leandro Trossard added a fifth moments later with a composed finish after combining with substitute Riccardo Calafiori.
Odegaard, who was instrumental throughout, scored his second of the evening with a long-range effort before setting up Calafiori for Arsenal’s seventh and final goal.
The Gunners dominated emphatically, first securing a commanding aggregate lead through relentless attacking plays.
Their cohesive strategy then highlighted tactical precision, cementing their status as formidable contenders in the tournament. their credentials as serious contenders in this year’s competition.
A Fast Start and Historic Moments
Arsenal began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Declan Rice thought he had opened the scoring, only to see his effort ruled out for offside. Moments later, PSV nearly took an unexpected lead when Ismael Saibari struck the crossbar, but Arsenal quickly regained control.
Dutch international Timber savored a particularly sweet moment, scoring against former club rivals Ajax and Feyenoord during the opener.
Transitioning to the second goal, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly made history, becoming the first English teenagers to combine for a Champions League goal.
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Merino’s third capped an electrifying first 30 minutes for Mikel Arteta’s side, who looked unstoppable in attack.
However, Lewis-Skelly was substituted shortly after to avoid a potential red card following two quick fouls.
PSV’s Brief Resurgence
The hosts were handed a lifeline just before halftime when Partey’s foul allowed Lang to convert from the penalty spot.
PSV continued to threaten sporadically, with de Jong heading over from close range and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya forced into action on several occasions.
A Devastating Restart
Arsenal began the second half with ruthless efficiency, scoring twice within three minutes of the restart. Nwaneri’s dazzling run and cross led to Odegaard’s first goal, while Trossard’s clever interplay with Calafiori resulted in Arsenal’s fifth. The Gunners’ five-goal tally marked the fastest any team had reached that number away from home in Champions League history.
PSV struggled to contain Arsenal’s relentless attacking waves as Odegaard added his second with a powerful strike that Benitez failed to keep out. Calafiori then rounded off the scoring with a composed finish after another assist from Odegaard.
A Night to Remember
The result marked Arsenal’s fifth consecutive win in the Champions League, their longest streak since reaching the final in 2005/06.
Arteta’s side is brimming with confidence as they prepare for next week’s second leg at Emirates Stadium.
Before that, they will turn their attention back to domestic matters with a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Arsenal fans will be dreaming of more nights like this as their team continues its quest for European glory.
For now, Eindhoven belongs to the Gunners.
