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Arsenal Crush PSV 7-1 in UCL Knockout First Leg

By on March 5, 2025

Arsenal delivered a stunning performance to dismantle PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 UCL knockout clash at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday night.

The Gunners took the lead in the 18th minute when Jurrien Timber rose highest to head home a brilliant opener. Just minutes later, 17-year-old wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri combined with fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly to double Arsenal’s advantage with a powerful finish.

Mikel Merino made it 3-0 in the 31st minute, but PSV found a lifeline through a penalty after Thomas Partey’s rash challenge inside the box.

Arsenal came out firing in the second half, with a brace from captain Martin Ødegaard and goals from Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori sealing an emphatic victory to virtually guarantee Arsenal’s passage to the quarter-finals.

Player Ratings: PSV 1-7 Arsenal

David Raya – 7/10

Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet after conceding from the penalty spot.

Jurrien Timber – 8/10

An outstanding display from the Dutch right-back. Scored the opener, defended solidly, and was a constant attacking threat.

William Saliba – 8/10 

Maintained Arsenal’s defensive stability and was reliable when called upon.

Gabriel Magalhães – 8/10

Strong defensive presence, was solid at the back and contributed well going forward.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4/10

Lucky to escape a red card after a reckless challenge should have earned him a second yellow. Provided an assist for Nwaneri before being subbed off in the 35th minute.

Thomas Partey – 6/10

Provided defensive cover and helped build attacks from deep but conceded an unnecessary penalty.

Declan Rice – 8/10

Dominated the midfield, linked defense to attack seamlessly, and assisted Timber’s goal.

Martin Ødegaard – 9/10

A quiet first half but ran the show in the second. Scored twice and assisted the seventh goal. The Gunners skipper ended the game with the Man of the Match award.

Ethan Nwaneri – 8/10

An electrifying performance from the 17-year-old. Scored Arsenal’s second and was a constant attacking threat.

Mikel Merino – 7/10

Continues to adapt well in his new attacking role. Scored Arsenal’s third and assisted the sixth.

Leandro Trossard – 7/10

A lively display from the Belgian. Scored the fifth goal and troubled PSV’s defense throughout.

Substitutes

Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10

Came on early and was defensively solid. Assisted Ødegaard’s first goal and scored Arsenal’s seventh.

Raheem Sterling – 4/10

A disappointing performance. Struggled to beat his man and offered little in attack.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5/10

Kept the midfield ticking with a composed display.

Kieran Tierney – N/A

Ben White – N/A

Arsenal will now head into the second leg with a commanding advantage as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals.