Arsenal have sparked celebrations in Eindhoven, where the city, known for its carnival spirit, witnessed a spectacular performance by Mikel Arteta’s team. The Gunners cruised to a dominant 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, marking a historic milestone in Champions League history.

Arsenal Sets New Champions League Record

In an unforgettable display, Arsenal became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away from home during the knockout stages of the competition. This impressive feat not only secured a crucial victory but also broke the record for the most goals Arsenal have scored in a single match since their 7-3 win over Newcastle 13 years ago.

While Arteta expressed pride in his team’s record-breaking achievement, he remained focused on the bigger picture. “It’s great to be part of something historic, but our main goal is to achieve even greater things,” he said. “The most important thing is that we’re in a strong position to progress to the next round, and that’s where our focus lies.”

Confidence Boost for Arsenal’s Title Push

The emphatic win comes after a couple of frustrating matches for Arsenal, including a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest and a narrow defeat to West Ham. Arteta’s side, however, showed resilience and clinical finishing on the European stage, with key players stepping up when needed.

Former footballer Chris Sutton praised Arsenal’s ruthless efficiency, highlighting their exceptional play in the final third. “Right from the start, Arsenal had control of the game. Their combination play was sensational, and Martin Odegaard was back to his best. The team looks formidable,” Sutton commented on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Declan Rice Shines in Arsenal’s Thrashing

England midfielder Declan Rice also impressed with his performance, reflecting on the team’s solid form and hunger for success. Despite having a goal ruled out for offside, Rice praised the team’s fluidity and attacking prowess. “We’ve been playing like this all season,” Rice said. “It all clicked today, and the team showed the energy needed for the knockout stages.”

Arsenal’s Scoring Depth and Injury Challenges

Arsenal’s attack showed remarkable depth, with six different players getting on the scoresheet. Martin Ødegaard scored twice, alongside goals from Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori. Despite missing regular striker Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz due to injury, Arsenal’s forward line proved formidable in Eindhoven.

Looking ahead, Arsenal is already gearing up for a potential clash with Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the next round, after Madrid’s 2-1 win over Atletico in their first-leg match.

Ethan Nwaneri’s Star Performance at 17

Among the standout performers was 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who continued to live up to the hype surrounding his future. Filling in for the injured Bukayo Saka, Nwaneri scored his eighth goal of the season, bringing his tally to an impressive number for someone so young. His goal also made him the third youngest player in Champions League knockout history to score, behind Bojan and Jude Bellingham.

Mikel Arteta praised Nwaneri’s maturity, stating, “He’s very impressive in how he plays and behaves. His consistency is key, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop.”

Youngsters Shine: Myles Lewis-Skelly Impresses

Nwaneri was not the only youngster to shine in Eindhoven, as academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly also impressed during his debut. Despite being booked in the first half and substituted to avoid a potential red card, Lewis-Skelly showed his composure and skill on the ball. Arteta’s faith in the academy talent is evident, with captain Martin Ødegaard also full of praise for the young duo, noting, “They’re playing like seasoned professionals.”

Arsenal’s Future Looks Bright

With such a strong showing from their young players and an overall clinical performance, Arsenal’s future looks incredibly promising. As Arteta aims to guide his team through the Champions League knockout stages, Arsenal’s mix of experience and youthful energy provides hope for even greater achievements ahead.

The Gunners will take their 7-1 lead back to London for the second leg, knowing that with this kind of form, they have a genuine chance of making it deep into the Champions League.