By Arsenal achieved a resounding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven. This sets up a mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Holders Real beat capital rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties. Arsenal will likely have to find top gear against the Spanish giants in the last eight. They cruised past their Dutch opponents.
The Gunners led 7-1 from the first leg in the Netherlands. They took the opportunity to make wholesale changes to their starting XI.
There were huge swathes of empty seats around a subdued Emirates Stadium. However, those in attendance were treated to a sumptuous opening goal. This goal came from one of three left-backs selected by manager Mikel Arteta.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has found himself on the periphery at times. He picked up possession from Raheem Sterling’s touch inside. Then he whipped a superb effort into the left corner.
Any thoughts of the floodgates opening and Arsenal eclipsing Bayern Munich’s record did not come to fruition. Bayern Munich achieved a remarkable record. They secured a 12-1 thrashing of Sporting over two legs. This was at the same stage of the competition in 2008-09.
Instead, a distinct absence of jeopardy to the tie appeared. This only contributed to a dip in Arsenal’s intensity. The overall outcome was never in any doubt.
Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic expertly found the top-right corner. He received the pass from Guus Til. This action gave the visitors a deserved equaliser.
Myles Lewis-Skelly hit the post for the home side at 1-1. A brilliant Sterling run and cross from the right allowed Declan Rice to head Arsenal back in front. However, they were unable to pull clear.
PSV, who were backed by a spirited away following, restored some pride. Couhaib Driouech collected Isaac Babadi’s incisive pass to chip over the oncoming home goalkeeper, David Raya. This ensured they left London with a merited draw.
The low-key nature of the contest is unlikely to leave Arteta overly pleased. However, the Spaniard will take some satisfaction from guiding the Gunners into the last eight in successive seasons. This achievement happens for the first time since 2010.
Arsenal were losing finalists in 2006. They have not won a European trophy since the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
His team is trailing leaders Liverpool by 15 points in the Premier League. Arteta will be acutely aware the Champions League is the most realistic chance of lifting silverware this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s 15-time European Cup winners are next up in the last eight.
