Arsenal has achieved a historic victory against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, winning 7-1 in the Champions League on March 4, 2025. Mikel Arteta praised the stellar performance of his team, calling it "a beautiful night" as they smashed their record for the biggest away win ever recorded in the competition.
This match not only marked Arsenal’s fifth consecutive win in European competition but also made them the first team to score more than six goals away from home during the knockout rounds of the Champions League. Arteta expressed his delight with the team’s response following recent struggles, saying, "The players really made us enjoy the night. It was a big game obviously, in the Champions League, and to play with flow, to score the goals we did – very, very impressive.”
The victory was particularly significant for Arsenal, who had managed just three goals across their previous four matches prior to this encounter. It was evident from the start of the game at the Philips Stadion, where Arsenal quickly asserted their dominance, scoring five goals within the first 48 minutes. One of the stars of the match was 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who became the third-youngest player to score during the Champions League knockout phase, showcasing remarkable skill and composure beyond his years.
After Leandro Trossard opened the scoring, Arsenal continued to pile on the goals, with Jurrien Timber also getting on the scoresheet. Mikel Merino struck back for PSV at 3-1, creating some momentary hope for the home side, but it was short-lived. Martin Ødegaard proved to be instrumental, netting two goals and eliciting applause even from PSV fans for his performance, particularly when he scored to make it 6-1.
Arteta credited his players for their initiative and teamwork during the match. He remarked, "You really have to play with a lot of initiative... that's the team we want to see and they’re a phenomenal team." This collaborative spirit was evident throughout, as multiple players contributed to the scoring, with Calafiori and Trossard also adding to the tally.
Despite the ease with which Arsenal played, Arteta reminded his squad of the challenges yet to come, noting, "I’m especially happy for them because of recent results, obviously it’s difficult when you generate the amount of situations and haven’t managed to score. But now we have to prove again what team we are and how willing we are to win the game" when they face PSV again on March 11.
PSV Eindhoven, once flying high at the top of the Eredivisie, now find themselves eight points behind Ajax, having struggled considerably since the turn of the year. This defeat marks their first home loss since November and highlights the downward spiral they have been experiencing. The home crowd was less than pleased, visibly deflated as they witnessed their team capitulate against Arsenal.
With this emphatic win, Arsenal is reigniting hopes of advancing past the last 16 of the Champions League for only the second time in 16 seasons. The upcoming rematch offers them the opportunity to solidify their newfound form, as they have shown their potential and strength against PSV. Fans are hungry for the excitement and momentum displayed on this unforgettable night as they set their sight on the quarter-finals, where they might face off against one of the Madrid clubs if they continue their victorious run.
Reflecting on the importance of team morale and performance consistency, Arteta concluded, "This is the beauty of football, don’t talk too much, keep working, put your head down and things will happen." Arsenal’s supporters are optimistic as they look forward to another chance for glory on the European stage, buoyed by their remarkable display against PSV Eindhoven.