Arsenal returned to winning ways with a stellar 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 last night.
The Gunners went into the game on a two-match winless run without scoring. PSV were anticipated to be a tricky opposition, but that was not the case.
PSV hit the woodwork with a glorious chance in the 15th minute, but Arsenal scored a minute later from a lovely left-footed Declan Rice cross.
Jurrien Timber rose highest at the far post to head the Gunners into the lead at the PSV Stadion.
Arsenal dominated proceedings thereafter. Goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino made it 3-0 before PSV scored from a fortunate penalty call.
The Gunners started the second half in a rapid fashion with goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard in less than 100 seconds.
Odegaard bagged his brace before Riccardo Calafiori put the gloss on the performance with the Gunners’ seventh goal against the Dutch champions.
Odegaard was handed the man of the match award for a brilliant outing.
The club captain has not been at his best since his injury comeback, but he was exceptional yesterday with two goals and an assist for Calafiori.
In our view, Rice was the second-best player on the pitch for the Gunners after a tireless display.
The England international had a poor showing against West Ham United, but showed signs of improvement at Nottingham Forest last week.
The midfielder played as a second striker early on at PSV. He had a goal chalked off for offside but soon delivered a perfect cross for Timber’s goal.
Rice completed 100 percent of his crosses and 100 percent of his dribbles. He also made three clearances and produced a lively display on the road.
One of the highlights of his performance was his lung-bursting run from his own half to win a corner for the Gunners when they were cruising at 6-1.
He received a 9/10 rating from Standard Sport after a ‘monster‘ performance.
Arsenal have pretty much guaranteed their place in the quarter-final with the 7-1 rout of PSV.
They are scheduled to face Manchester United on the road in the Premier League this weekend and should go into the game with full confidence.
Manager Mikel Arteta has the luxury of playing his strongest XI against the Red Devils as he can afford to rotate heavily for the return leg versus PSV.
