Arsenal Smash Champions League Record in Stunning 7-1 Win Over PSV
Eindhoven’s carnival celebrations had an unexpected guest on Tuesday—Arsenal. The Gunners put on a goal-scoring spectacle, thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 to break a Champions League knockout-stage record.
Mikel Arteta’s side became the first team in tournament history to score seven goals away from home in the knockout rounds. The dominant performance ended their recent struggles in front of goal and reinforced their status as serious contenders for the title.
Arsenal’s Attacking Explosion Ends Goal Drought
After failing to score in their last two matches—a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest and a 1-0 defeat against West Ham—Arsenal delivered the perfect response. Martin Ødegaard led the charge with a brace, while Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori also found the net.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton praised Arsenal’s ruthless approach:
“This win will give them great confidence for the rest of the season. Arsenal controlled the game from the start, and their finishing was clinical. The combination play in attack was sensational.”
Declan Rice echoed those thoughts:
“We’ve been playing like this all season. Sometimes we score five, sometimes none, but tonight it all clicked.”
Arsenal’s Champions League Dream Gains Momentum
Despite injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s attacking depth shone. The victory puts them in a commanding position for the second leg, with a likely quarter-final clash against Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid looming.
“The best part is we’re in a strong position to qualify,” Arteta said. “But there’s still work to do in London next week.”
Ethan Nwaneri Proves His Talent Yet Again
Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri continues to impress. Filling in for Bukayo Saka, the 17-year-old scored his eighth goal of the season—a tally that now rivals legends like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney at the same age.
His goal also made him the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout game, after Bojan (2008) and Jude Bellingham (2021).
“I don’t think he needs any extra motivation,” Arteta said. “Every time he plays, he shows his intent. Now it’s about consistency and delivering at the top level every week.”
Midfielder Declan Rice also praised the young talent:
“He’s fearless. Even if Saka were fit, Ethan would still get minutes because he’s that good.”
Academy Stars Shine Under Arteta’s Guidance
Another Arsenal academy product, Myles Lewis-Skelly, also started the match. Though he was subbed off in the first half to avoid a potential red card, his performance further showcased Arsenal’s youth talent.
“They play like they’ve been here for years,” captain Martin Ødegaard said. “We love having them in the squad, and their confidence is inspiring.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal now turn their attention to domestic competitions before the second leg in London. If they maintain this form, European glory may not be far away.
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Arsenal crushed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 to set a Champions League knockout-stage record. Ethan Nwaneri shone as the Gunners ended their goal drought in style.
