Arsenal vs PSV LIVE: Europa League result, final score and reaction as Xhaka strike gives Gunners the win
Arsenal booked their place in the Europa League knockout stages with a 1-0 win over PSV
Arsenal continued their perfect form in Europe this season while extending their winning run to eight matches in all competitions as Granit Xhaka struck the winner in a 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League.
The hosts dominated the first half but could not test Walter Benitez in the PSV goal, with the sides locked at 0-0 at the interval. Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock with 20 minutes to go, Xhaka finishing with aplomb from just inside the PSV box, with the midfielder’s goal securing Arsenal’s place in the knockout stages.
And the result moves Arsenal five points clear of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV in Group A, ahead of their return match against the Dutch side next Thursday where they can secure top spot with at least a draw. Before then, Mikel Arteta’s side will visit Southampton in the Premier League.
FT Arsenal 1-0 PSV
Arsenal have won their last four games in the Europa League, their last longer winning streak was from 22 October, 2020 to 10 December, 2020, a run of six games.
Granit Xhaka goal maintains Arsenal’s winning Europa League run
Granit Xhaka scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven to secure qualification into the latter stages of the Europa League.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League and their domestic form has been replicated in Europe, Xhaka’s second-half strike earning a 1-0 victory which makes it four wins from four in Group A.
The next task for Mikel Arteta’s side will be to get a result in Holland next week to ensure they qualify as group winners and earn a bye for the round of 32.
It is now 46 days since Arsenal failed to win a game – a longer run than that enjoyed by outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss – as Xhaka became the first Arsenal player to score a home goal against PSV.
Granit Xhaka goal maintains Arsenal’s winning Europa League run
The second-half strike secured qualification into the latter stages of the competition for the Gunners.
FT Arsenal 1-0 PSV
Granit Xhaka has scored as many goals this season (3) as in his previous three seasons combined. Tonight’s goal was the first of his 17 for Arsenal not to be scored with his left foot.
Full-time: Arsenal 1-0 PSV
90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle!
In a tough contest against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Dutch side, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners did what they needed to do and picked up all three points to qualify for the next round of the Europa League and remain top of Group A with two games remaining.
Granit Xhaka’s strike from inside the box was the difference between the sides but Arsenal looked comfortable throughout and they maintain their winning momentum.
Arsenal 1-0 PSV
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play in north London. Can Arsenal close out this game or will PSV rescue a point?
Arsenal 1-0 PSV
88 mins: A long throw down the wing from Kieran Tierney almost gets Eddie Nketiah in behind but the forward’s first touch isn’t the best and he only manages to knock the ball behind for a goal kick.
PSV then try to kick start a counter-attack but Tierney and Odegaard make fouls in the middle of the pitch to stop it in its tracks.
Arsenal 1-0 PSV
85 mins: Bukayo Saka sprints into the box from the right and blasts an effort at goal that gets turned behind by Walter Benitez. It’s also his last act of the night as Reiss Nelson comes on for the final few minutes of the game.
Arsenal 1-0 PSV
82 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and Arsenal have control of the game. As it stands they are going to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League and move five points clear at the top of Group A.
The Gunners will need to avoid defeat against PSV next week to ensure they win the group.
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