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PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after Yorbe Vertessen earns draw

PSV 1-1 Arsenal: The Gunners were held to a draw after Mikel Arteta made eight changes

Michael Jones
Tuesday 12 December 2023 20:16 GMT
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Smith-Rowe back in training as Arsenal prepare for PSV in UCL

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PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal both advanced to the knockout rounds of the Champions League after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Philips Stadion. The two teams had already qualified before kick off in the final Group B match but their encounter was an enjoyable and entertaining affair.

Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the starting line-up which meant the Gunners were disjointed through the opening stages but they created a couple of good chances with Eddie Nketiah opening the scoring. He collected a pass from Reiss Nelson before touching the ball into the box and slotting it into the far corner.

After the break PSV responded with a simple pass up the pitch. Ricardo Pepi nipped in between William Saliba and Gabriel to receive the ball before setting up Yorbe Vertessen to guide in the equaliser. A lack on intensity from both teams meant the match meandered to its conclusion and the points were shared.

Relive the match action below:

PSV vs Arsenal

The Gunners are winless in their last three major European visits to the Netherlands since a 2-1 win at Ajax in September 2005 in the Champions League.

Two of those defeats have come against PSV.

Mike Jones12 December 2023 17:05

PSV vs Arsenal

Arsenal have faced PSV in competitive action on nine occasions, with seven in the Champions League as well as last season’s two encounters in the Europa League.

They have only lost two of those games, but both have on each of their last two visits to the Philips Stadion.

Mike Jones12 December 2023 17:00

Arsenal pick ‘three big prospects’ for Champions League match at PSV

Mikel Arteta has picked three rising talents from Arsenal’s Hale End academy to join the senior squad on their Champions League trip to PSV.

Reuell Walters, Ethan Nwaneri and Lino Sousa have travelled with the group and could make their Arsenal debuts in the dead rubber, with both clubs already qualified to the knockout phase and the Gunners assured of top spot in Group B.

Asked if it has become harder to blood youngsters while challenging for honours, the Spaniard replied: “It gets harder and harder. So the talent has to be really good. (They are) three big prospects. We want to keep developing players from our system. They deserve to be here. There are circumstances that have brought them here. We will try to give them the opportunity if we can in the right moment.”

Arsenal pick ‘three big prospects’ for Champions League match at PSV

Mikel Arteta can afford to experiment thanks to the Gunners’ unassailable position at the top of Group B

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:55

Arteta’s thoughts on PSV

The Arsenal manager also gave his thoughts on how he feels PSV will play this evening saying: “It’s really impressive how [PSV] play, the consistency, the way they are winning football matches.

“They’ve been extremely dominant, not only this season but last season as well and huge credit to the manager, the coaching staff and players for what they’ve done.

“When you look at the record that they have here, it’s incredible so we’re going to have to be really good tomorrow to beat them.”

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:50

Arteta on Smith Rowe

Injuries have caused Emile Smith Rowe’s Arsenal career into a screeching half but the manager is backing him to perform when he is given minutes on the pitch.

“I think what he’s been through is part of the experience that 90 per cent of footballers have to go through.” Arteta said,

“Difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different types of performances now. That’s all in his bag now. If he can use that in a powerful way he’ll be a much better player.

“The way he’s done his rehab, I haven’t seen him do it before like how he’s done it this time. You see the way his team-mates reacted to his comeback which is really positive as well. The moment we can give him chances, the better we’re going to be.”

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:45

PSV’s super sub could trouble Arsenal

American striker Ricardo Pepi is fast becoming something of a ‘super sub’ for PSV Eindhoven.

The 20-year-old has scored six times this season despite having only been on the pitch for a total of 239 minutes. That equates to a goal every 40 minutes.

Pepi’s most valuable strike so far was against Sevilla on Matchday 5, the forward scoring the dramatic late winner after coming on in the 82nd minute.

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:40

Arsenal team changes

Mikel Arteta makes eight changes to the Arsenal team that lost 1-0 to Aston Villa last time out. The Gunners have already reached the Champions League last-16 so the manager is choosing not to risk most of his key players from the start.

Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal with Jakuk Kiwior and Cedric Soares at left and right back. In midfield Mohamed Elneny, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard take up their positions as Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah join Kai Havertz in the forward line.

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:39

PSV vs Arsenal line-ups

PSV Eindhoven XI: Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Obispo, Mauro Junior; Tillman, Van Aanholt, Saibari; Bakayoko, Pepi, Vertessen

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Elneny, Jorginho, Trossard; Havertz, Nketiah, Nelson

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:36

Tonight’s venue

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:32

Turkish football league suspends all matches after club president punches referee in the face

The Turkish football league has suspended all matches after a club president punched a referee in the face after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser.

Chaos erupted at the Turkish Super Lig game on Monday night at Eryaman Stadium between Caykur Rizespor and MKE Ankaragucu.

Officials from both sides entered the pitch after full time and moments after Caykur Rizespor scored an equalising goal in the 97th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Turkish football league suspends all matches after club president punches referee

Faruk Koca was seen punching referee Halil Umut Meler after his team MKE Ankaragucu conceded a last-minute goal

Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:25

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