Arsenal are on top in their Champions League round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven. Having raced into a three-goal lead just after the half hour mark, the Gunners scored four more times in the second half to ensure they will return to the Emirates Stadium next week with a huge advantage.
Barring an unlikely miracle, Mikel Arteta’s side will be in the Champions League quarter-final for the second year in a row after thrashing PSV 7-1 with Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard (twice), Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori all on the scoresheet
For as good as Arsenal were, PSV were equally as poor. As a result, next week’s second leg is effectively a formality as all that is left to decidd is which Madrid side the Gunners will face in the last-eight. Relieve the action on a record breaking night for the north Londoners with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion.
PSV vs Arsenal latest news
- GOAL! Calafiori adds a SEVENTH
- GOAL! Odegaard grabs another
- GOAL! Trossard finds the net
- GOAL! Odegaard restores three-goal lead
- GOAL! Lang converts penalty
- GOAL! Merino adds a third
- GOAL! Nwaneri doubles Arsenal's lead
- GOAL! Timber breaks the deadlock with towering header
Arsenal run riot against PSV
22:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal rose to the challenge set by Mikel Arteta as they thrashed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in their Champions League round of 16 first leg showdown.
Prior to the clash at the Philips Stadion, the Gunners boss had urged his side to take a strong step on the European stage after seeing their Premier League title bid falter in recent weeks.
Arsenal were 3-0 up after 31 minutes with Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino all on target before Nao Lang gave PSV hope with an emphatic penalty but Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard struck within 90 seconds of each other at the start of the second half as Arteta’s side scored five goals in the Champions League for the second time this season.
And there was still time for more as Odegaard grabbed another and then claimed an assist for Riccardo Calafiori to put the Gunners on the verge of sealing a quarter-final place.
Read the full match report here!
Arsenal player ratings
22:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDeclan Rice 9 | Star player
Full of running and made the most of the huge gaps in PSV’s midfield. Created the opening goal with a slick turn and cross that picked out Timber. A monster performance.
Ethan Nwaneri 8
Another magical performance from the 17-year-old, who now has eight goals this season. Smashed the ball home with an emphatic finish for his goal.
Mikel Merino 7
Picked to start as an emergency No9 for the third game in a row. Scored Arsenal’s third with a cool finish inside the box.
Click here for our full Arsenal player ratings!
FULL-TIME
21:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV 1-7 Arsenal.
Sensational performance from the Gunners. You have to think the second leg is a mere formality now.
GOAL! PSV 1-7 Arsenal | Riccardo Calafiori '85
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: GOAL!
It's SEVEN for the Gunners, Odegaard slides in Calafiori who produces a fine finish
PSV 1-6 Arsenal
21:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: Two more changes for PSV.
Obispo and Veerman on for Boscagli and Saibari
PSV 1-6 Arsenal
21:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Very nearly SEVEN for Arsenal as Tierney tees up Zinchenko for a sweetly struck volley which is saved, though PSV get a goal kick.
PSV 1-6 Arsenal
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: Two more changes for Arsenal as Tierney and White replace Merino and Timber.
GOAL! PSV 1-6 Arsenal | Martin Odegaard '73
21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne73 min: ARSENAL HAVE SIX
It’s a nightmare for Benitez but Odegaard will not mind one bit!
The Arsenal captain, again, is given too much space centrally and is allowed a free shot at goal. It’s not the greatest effort in the world but the PSV keeper fails to keep it out.
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: GOALL..NOOOO
Leandro Trossard sticks the ball into the net but the goal is disallowed for offside.
Arsenal then make a double change as Nwaneri and Partey are replaced by Sterling and Zinchenko.
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Yellow card for Timber for time-wasting.
At 5-1 up, surely not?
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Double change for PSV
De Jong and Ledezma are replaced by Bakayoko and Karsdorp.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's away fans starting to enjoy themselves now: "Are you Tottenham in disguise?"
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Odegaard is allowed to travel a long way with the ball before laying it off to Timber who gives it to Nwaneri who takes a shot which is deflected behind for a corner.
Rice takes and Gabriel meets it but the Brazilian heads the ball down into the ground and over the bar.
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Nwaneri forces Benitez into a save after a solo run before shooting over the bar with another attempt from much further out.
Arsenal sensing more goals here.
PSV 1-5 Arsenal
21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: Good response from PSV as Lang goes close before Raya has to make a fine save to deny de Jong.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
21:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGenuine question, how bad are Juventus?
GOAL! PSV 1-5 Arsenal | Leandro Trossard '48
21:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne48 min: ARSENAL HAVE FIVE
What a start to the second half for Arsenal as Trossard gets in on the act with a clever finish.
GOAL! PSV 1-4 Arsenal | Martin Odegaard '46
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: GOALLLLLL
Arsenal’s three-goal lead is restored right at the start of the second half as Martin Odegaard puts the ball into an empty net after Nwaneri’s cross was spilled.
PSV 1-3 Arsenal
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Back underway at the Philips Stadion
PSV have made a change in defence. Flamingo is replaced by Nagalo.
HALF-TIME
20:51 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV 1-3 Arsenal.
Great first-half entertainment as Gunners race into three-goal lead but Nao Lang's penalty could make things difficult in the second half.
PSV 1-3 Arsenal
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Great ball whipped in by Malacia and de Jong gets on the end of it but can’t steer his header on target.
A few inches lower and it’s 2-3.
GOAL! PSV 1-3 Arsenal | Noa Lang '43
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: GOALLLL
Emphatic penalty from Noa Lang and PSV have a lifeline just before half-time.
PSV 0-3 Arsenal
20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: PENALTY FOR PSV
Thomas Partey penalised
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBefore tonight, since the turn of the year, PSV had shipped 29 goals in 14 games. Keeping one clean sheet. It shows.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
20:36 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArteta taking utterly no chances and Lewis-Skelly comes off. The scars from playing with 10 men clearly there.
GOAL! PSV 0-3 Arsenal | Mikel Merino '31
20:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: GOALLL...
The goal stands eventually following a lengthy VAR check. It’s all PSV’s own-doing to be fair as they had plenty of chances to clear their lines but didn’t and Mikel Merino makes no mistake from close range.
PSV 0-2 Arsenal
20:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Lewis-Skelly on a yellow card makes a risky challenge on Ledezma and the home crowd are demanding he gets sent off.
The referee keeps his cards in his pocket on this occasion. The Arsenal youngster will need to be careful.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA lovely - and special moment - as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly combine. It's no more than Arsenal deserve.
PSV 0-2 Arsenal
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Yellow card for Lewis-Skelly for pulling back de Jong.
Lang takes the free-kick but Raya was untroubled.
GOAL! PSV 0-2 Arsenal | Ethan Nwaneri '21
20:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: GOALLLLLLLL
Arsenal are in a strong position now as Ethan Nwaneri finishes with aplomb after being teed up by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
A goal made and scored in Hale End.
GOAL! PSV 0-1 Arsenal | Jurrien Timber '18
20:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: GOALLLLL
Arsenal take the lead just moments after nearly falling behind as Jurrien Timber meets Declan Rice’s cross with a towering header to break the deadlock.
Fine margins, eh?
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSaibari hitting the woodwork has woken the home fans up. It had all gone a little flat before then.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: CROSSBAR
Perisic puts in a teasing cross which Raya gets a hand to but he pushes the ball straight to Saibari who smashes an effort against the crossbar.
Huge let-off for Arsenal.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Arsenal have the ball in the back of the net through Declan Rice but the goal is disallowed for offside.
To be fair, the flag was up for a while.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Penalty surely?
Odegaard goes down in the box and appeals for a penalty. Have to question why the Arsenal captain would go down there.
VAR check is complete, no penalty.
Replays show Odegaard did kick the ground.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
20:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEarly stages, but there is already a sense Arsenal will get far more space when attacking tonight than usual. Whether they can use it or not is another thing.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Brilliant delivery from Nwaneri as he whips his free-kick to the back post, Gabriel is there but can’t get decent contact on the ball.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Poor pass from Lang and a promising PSV attack breaks down as Saliba gets back to deal with the danger.
PSV 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: Lewis-Skelly wins a foul off Perisic. This could be a key battle tonight.
Arsenal are almost in at the other end as the young left-back tries to find Odegaard’s run through the middle but gets too much on the pass.
KICK-OFF!
20:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this Champions League round of 16 first leg tie!
Here we go!
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe players have emerged from the tunnel area.
Time to hear the famous Champions League anthem, followed by the player handshakes, the squad photo and then kick-off!
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA pocket of PSV ultras are behind one of the goals here dressed in red jumpsuits. Tying in the Carnival costumes with the club's desire for fans to wear read tonight.
Not long now!
19:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAround 20 minutes to go until kick-off at the Philips Stadion.
Arsenal kit selection
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal will be in their away kit tonight...
Back in black 🖤 pic.twitter.com/TWO1tUtlhd
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2025
PSV form
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV saw their long unbeaten home record come to an end at the weekend, but they have been impressive at the Philips Stadion in the Champions League this season.
They’ve recorded wins over Liverpool and Juventus...
The story unfolds 💫#PSVARS #UCL pic.twitter.com/yvX1os7DYQ
— PSV (@PSV) March 4, 2025
Arteta must exploit biggest Arsenal strength to keep season alive
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA different competition, but Mikel Arteta is faced with the same old questions ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown against PSV Eindhoven.
Arteta is desperately trying to work out how to get a tune out of Arsenal’s depleted attack, which is without four forwards due to injury.
The Gunners have drawn a blank in their last two Premier League games - doing so for the first time since May 2023 - but Arteta is adamant the players he has at his disposal can turn things around.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Philips Stadion
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport's Simon Collings is in position at the Philips Stadion and has previewed tonight’s Champions League round of 16 first leg showdown...
🗣 "Having a team who won't sit deep, who come out an attack them might actually help get this Arsenal attack into life."@sr_collings gives his thoughts ahead of PSV vs Arsenal!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 4, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/zwnjnizwOY#PSVARS | #UCL pic.twitter.com/lVsSaxk7q1
Ex-Arsenal striker unavailable
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNo surprises that Lucas Perez is not in the PSV XI tonight.
The former Arsenal striker had been a free agent for a short amount of time after seeing his contract with boyhood club Deportivo La Coruna terminated for personal reasons in January.
However, the Spaniard is not eligible for Champions League football after PSV submitted their updated squad prior to their playoff clash with Juventus and are not permitted to make further changes.
PSV's familiar faces
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIvan Perisic scored home and away for PSV against Juventus in the playoff round, so he will be one to watch.
As will Tyrell Malacia, the left-back is on loan from Manchester United and starts tonight.
Arsenal changes
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat's two changes to the Arsenal side that started the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest last week.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Thomas Partey return as Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho make way.
PSV team in full
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV XI: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia; Schouten, Saibari; Perisic, Til, Lang; de Jong
Subs: Bakayoko, Driouech, Drommel, Karsdorp, Babadi, Land, Nagalo, Obispo, Schiks, Veerman
Arsenal team in full
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Gabriel, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino.
Subs: Neto, Setford, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Tierney, Calafiori, Jorginho, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia
PSV XI
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd here is how the hosts will line up...
This is how we start tonight’s chapter 👊#PSVARS #UCL pic.twitter.com/hWm1KuqtZa
— PSV (@PSV) March 4, 2025
Arsenal lineup announced
18:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how Arsenal will line up tonight...
⚫️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2025
🔙 Lewis-Skelly returns to the XI
🔁 Partey back in midfield
🤝 Merino continues up top
Let's make it happen, Gunners ✊
Team news imminent
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
Stay tuned...
Arsenal have arrived
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe visitors are in the house!
Champions League nights ✨
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2025
📍 PSV Stadion pic.twitter.com/79P0sKYwc7
Perisic on Arsenal's trophy drought
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIvan Perisic says Arsenal’s recent trophy drought can be attributed to lacking “that little bit” as he plots to deny Mikel Arteta’s side their only realistic hope of winning silverware this season.
Perisic, formerly of Tottenham, has helped PSV Eindhoven reach the Champions League round of 16 stage this season and they have been paired with Arsenal after seeing off Juventus.
The Champions League takes on added importance for the Gunners after they crashed out of both domestic competitions in the space of a month and now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 13 points.
Although Arsenal have a game in hand over the Reds, Arne Slot’s side remain heavy favourites to be crowned champions of England come May.
As a result, European football’s biggest prize in club football - a competition the north London outfit have never won - has become their most feasible chance of ending their five-year wait for a major trophy.
Why PSV fans have been told to attend Arsenal game in fancy dress
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV Eindhoven have told supporters they are welcome to attend Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal in fancy dress.
Eindhoven is currently hosting the festival of Carnival, which has been running since February 28 and concludes on Tuesday night.
The city is, as a result, packed with festival-goers enjoying the entertainment and sticking to the tradition of dressing up.
Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal stars
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal players to make a “strong step” when they take on PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Arsenal are coming into the match on Tuesday off the back of failing to score in either of their past two games as their injury crisis in attack takes its toll.
The Gunners have slipped to 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, although they do have a game in hand.
Arteta believes the Champions League brings a “different energy” and has urged his team to turn their fortunes around in Eindhoven.
Predicted Arsenal XI
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta’s real selection headaches come in defence, where Arsenal have been boosted by the return of Ben White after he underwent knee surgery in November.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is also available, too, after being suspended for last week’s goalless draw sat Forest.
Thomas Partey will hope to come into the midfield after being on the bench for the game at Forest last week, with Jorginho getting the nod ahead of him.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Jurrien Timber warns Arsenal over PSV 'cheat code
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJurrien Timber has warned his Arsenal team-mates about “cheat code” PSV striker Luuk de Jong.
Arsenal are taking on PSV on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Gunners will come up against PSV captain De Jong, who was the joint-top scorer in the Dutch top flight last season.
Timber, who used to play for Ajax, is aware of the striker’s talents and has warned his team-mates about the threat he carries.
“With Luuk de Jong up front, they almost have some kind of cheat code with headers,” Timber told Prime Video. “He wins almost every header."
Read Timber's full quotes here!
Arteta issues rallying cry
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta insists Arsenal still have “gears to take their game to a different level” - despite their injury crisis in attack.
Arsenal have been hit hard by injuries at the top end of the pitch and are without four forwards for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are all out, with Mikel Merino in line to start as an emergency No9 for the third game in a row.
The Gunners have failed to score in each of their past two games, but Arteta believes his attack can fire in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
PSV vs Arsenal latest odds
18:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV to win: 11/4
Draw: 9/5
Arsenal to win: 10/11
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
PSV vs Arsenal: Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePSV wins: 2
Draws: 4
Arsenal wins: 4
Half of Arsenal's wins in this fixture have come in the last two seasons as the two teams met in the Europa League and Champions League group phase in 2023/24 and 2024/25 respectively.
Meanwhile, both of PSV's wins over Arsenal have been at the Philips Stadion.
PSV vs Arsenal prediction
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt is difficult to see where the Arsenal goals are going to come from.
They remain a threat from set-pieces but the Gunners have been largely unthreatening in open play in recent weeks and it means they are unlikely to enjoy too many comfortable nights.
Arsenal’s defence remains superb and Arteta’s side should still be capable of taking at least a draw back to the Emirates for the second leg.
Draw, 1-1
Arsenal team news
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal will be without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for both legs of this last-16 tie, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz will not play again this season.
Mikel Merino is likely to continue up front, unless Raheem Sterling comes into the side. Ben White is in contention to make his first start since November, though Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all available too.
PSV team news
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFormer Arsenal striker Lucas Perez recently signed for PSV as a free agent, but he was not registered in the club’s Champions League squad and is therefore ineligible.
Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Esmir Bajraktarevic are all injury concerns for the hosts.
How to watch PSV vs Arsenal
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 6.30pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Amazon Prime Video website or app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Welcome
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Champions League round of 16 first leg tie between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal!
This competition has taken on extra importance for the Gunners following their drop off in the Premier League, but face a tricky knockout clash.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm GMT from the Philips Stadion.
