Arsenal Crush PSV 7-1 to Set Champions League Record in Eindhoven

Champions League Knockout Stage | Arsenal Make History

Eindhoven was buzzing with carnival celebrations, but on Tuesday night, it was Arsenal who stole the show, delivering a record-breaking 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. Mikel Arteta’s side became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals in an away knockout match, emphatically ending their recent goal drought.

It was Arsenal’s highest-scoring game since their 7-3 triumph over Newcastle in the Premier League 13 years ago.

Arteta: “Joy, Confidence, and Belief”

Despite breaking records, Arteta remained grounded, emphasizing the bigger picture:

“It’s great to be part of history, but we have bigger ambitions. The most important thing is that we’re in a strong position to qualify for the next round. However, the job isn’t done yet—we have work to do in London next week.”

Ruthless Arsenal Rediscover Their Scoring Touch

Arsenal entered the game under pressure after failing to score in their last two outings—a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest and a 1-0 loss to West Ham. However, their attacking brilliance was on full display in Eindhoven.

Chris Sutton praised Arsenal’s performance, stating:

“Arsenal were ruthless. Their finishing was sensational, and the combination play in the final third was outstanding. Martin Ødegaard was back to his best, and the defensive duo of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba was phenomenal. Arsenal will take some stopping in this competition.”

Declan Rice: “We’ve Been Playing Like This All Season”

Midfielder Declan Rice, who had a goal disallowed for offside, emphasized Arsenal’s consistent form:

“We were fluid, full of enthusiasm, drive, and hunger—everything you need in knockout football. We’ve been playing like this all season, but tonight it all clicked.”

Arsenal’s Attack Fires Despite Injuries

Arsenal’s lack of a recognized striker has been a hot topic, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined. However, their depth shone as six different players found the net:

• Martin Ødegaard (2)
• Jurrien Timber
• Mikel Merino
• Ethan Nwaneri
• Leandro Trossard
• Riccardo Calafiori

The emphatic win secures Arsenal’s passage to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid currently holds a 2-1 advantage, with the second leg set for next week.

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Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal’s Rising Star

17-Year-Old Breaks Champions League Records

Young sensation Ethan Nwaneri continues to impress, repaying Arteta’s trust with a composed finish—his eighth goal of the season. Filling in for the injured Bukayo Saka, the academy graduate is proving why there’s so much excitement around his future.

Elite Company: Matching England’s Greatest Talents

Nwaneri’s goal tally at 17 years old puts him alongside England legends Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, both of whom netted nine goals at the same age. With 16 days before his 18th birthday, he has a chance to surpass their record.

He also became the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match, following:

• Bojan Krkić (April 2008 – 17 years, 217 days)
• Jude Bellingham (April 2021 – 17 years, 289 days)

Declan Rice hailed his young teammate:

“He’s 17 and performing on the biggest stage. We’ve taken him under our wing, but he fully deserves to be here. Even if Saka was fit, Ethan would still be getting minutes because he’s that good.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Another Academy Star Shines

Nwaneri wasn’t the only Arsenal academy talent making waves. 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly also started and impressed, showing composure in midfield. However, after picking up an early yellow card, Arteta made the tactical decision to substitute him in the first half to prevent a potential red.

Club captain Martin Ødegaard, who made his senior debut at 15, believes Lewis-Skelly will learn from the experience:

“He took it well. He knew it was a tricky situation, but he’s a fantastic talent. Both Ethan and Myles play like they’ve been in the first team for years.”

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What’s Next for Arsenal?

With the quarter-finals in sight, Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they continue their title challenge. Their next match sees them take on Manchester City at the Etihad, a crucial fixture in the race for the championship.

Meanwhile, they await the result of the Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid tie to determine their Champions League quarter-final opponent.

With confidence soaring, young stars shining, and their goal-scoring touch rediscovered, Arsenal look ready to make a deep run in Europe’s elite competition.