When PSV visit the Emirates Stadium tomorrow evening, it'll be the first time Ruud van Nistelrooy has faced Arsenal since 2006. Back in his playing days, the Dutch striker was involved in a couple of famous encounters involving Arsenal, scoring two goals in 12 appearances and missing a vital penalty in September 2003.
Just shy of 20 years later, the 46-year-old returns to North London as manager of Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and will be looking to overtake Mikel Arteta's side in their Europa League group. The game was originally scheduled to take place in the middle of September but was postponed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tomorrow's clash at the Emirates Stadium is the first of two meetings between the two sides in a week, with Arsenal travelling to the Netherlands next Thursday following their Premier League clash with Southampton. It's also the first time the pair will meet since March 2007.
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Currently enjoying his second job in management, facing Arsenal has provided mixed emotions for van Nistelrooy. Most famously, in 2003, the Dutchman struck the crossbar from a penalty in the last minute to spark wild celebrations from Martin Keown and the Arsenal players.
The 'Battle of Old Trafford' included further troubles in the aftermath, with Patrick Vieira and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accusing the striker of playing the referee to earn a penalty. Six Arsenal players and two Manchester United players were charged with improper conduct by the FA.
Van Nistelrooy went on to score in the same fixture the following season, putting an end to Arsenal's 49-game run without defeat in a 2-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Prior to van Nistelrooy's return to Arsenal, Arteta was questioned on whether he believes the PSV boss will be greeted with a tough reception. However, he was coy with his response. He said: "I wasn't involved at the time at the club, obviously.
"You can tell the history of these two clubs and the rivalry that was generated at the time because they were two excellent teams, but I don't know."
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