Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven LIVE! Champions League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today
Arsenal vs PSV - LIVE!
Arsenal made a perfect return to the Champions League as they cruised to a 4-0 win over PSV. The Gunners were back at Europe’s top table for the first time in six years and swiftly made up for lost time, as they scored three first-half goals to effectively secure the three points before half-time.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all got themselves on the scoresheet in a brilliant showing from the Arsenal front-line, before Martin Odegaard extended the lead further with 20 minutes to go. Saka was one of those in the Arsenal lineup making his Champions League debut and he marked it with a goal inside eight minutes, providing a composed finish as Odegaard’s strike was parried out into his path.
Trossard opened his account too, sweeping home superbly from Saka’s ball across, before the Belgian turned provider himself to dink a ball to the back post, where Jesus took it down and lashed a finish into the far corner. A fourth goal came after the break, with Arsenal’s captain deservedly getting in on the action. Reiss Nelson, along with Emile Smith Rowe impressive off the bench, found Odegaard 25 yards out, and the midfielder shifted the ball onto his left foot before arrowing the strike into the bottom corner.
Arsenal vs PSV latest news
GOAL! Odegaard extends lead for Gunners
GOAL! Jesus fires home before half-time
GOAL! Trossard sweeps home low finish
GOAL! Saka nets first Champions League goal
Arsenal FC 4 - 0 PSV Eindhoven
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Wednesday 20 September 2023 22:53 , Matt Verri
Given the trajectory of Bukayo Saka’s career so far, we should not have been surprised he marked his Champions League debut like this.
Just 20 minutes had been played against PSV Eindhoven when Saka had already put the game to bed and ensured Arsenal’s return to Europe’s top table was a happy one.
He opened the scoring after eight minutes with a well-taken finish after PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez had spilled Martin Odegaard’s shot. Moments later, Saka turned provider by teeing up Leandro Trossard to score.
It was the perfect start for Arsenal on what would turn out to be a dream night for them and Saka.
Post-match thoughts from Mikel Arteta
Wednesday 20 September 2023 22:22 , Matt Verri
"Good headaches!" 🧠
Mikel Arteta talks squad depth, celebrating Arsenal's #UCL return with a win and looking forward to the north London derby... 👀
🎙️ @J_Dyer_Official pic.twitter.com/KSIICSsxXF— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2023
Player ratings
Wednesday 20 September 2023 22:11 , Matt Verri
Bukayo Saka 9
Took his goal well to get Arsenal back up and running in this competition before squaring for Trossard’s brilliant second.
Leandro Trossard 9
Stunning finish from the edge of the box to double Arsenal’s lead and made the third goal with a pinpoint cross. Arsenal will not miss Gabriel Martinelli if the Belgian keeps playing like this.
Read our full Arsenal ratings here!
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 22:04 , Matt Verri
A perfect return to the Champions League for Arsenal. PSV completely outplayed and ruthlessly put to the sword. Front-three were excellent, but Martin Odegaard exceptional too.
The Arsenal captain is on another level right now.
Captain’s display!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:59 , Matt Verri
Take a bow Martin Odegaard! 🤩
The captain fires in a wonderful finish from outside the box as Arsenal run away with this game! 🙌#UCL pic.twitter.com/kP79276nBw— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2023
FT: Arsenal 4-0 PSV
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:54 , Matt Verri
Welcome back to the Champions League!
Arsenal make a superb start to their European campaign, cruising to a 4-0 win in north London.
Saka, Trossard, Jesus and Odegaard with the goals. Job well and truly done.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:51 , Matt Verri
90+1 mins: Three minutes added on.
Fair few inside the Emirates have made their way out of the stadium, not too keen on waiting for the tube in the pouring rain.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:50 , Matt Verri
89 mins: Arsenal corner, Smith Rowe and Nelson both unable to find the space they needed to get a shot away.
Bit of a scramble in the box, Havertz lurking... eventually hacked away by PSV.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:47 , Matt Verri
86 mins: PSV just trying to keep the ball now, keen to avoid any further damage.
Lose patience though and lump it long, through to Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper has had a very enjoyable Champions League debut. Bit to do without being too troubled.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:46 , Matt Verri
Martin Odegaard is on another level right now. Not put a foot wrong all night.
A joy to watch.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:42 , Matt Verri
82 mins: Nelson and Smith Rowe have been so impressive in these little cameos. Really sharp.
Nelson’s curling effort from the edge of the box is blocked. Came from a glorious Odegaard pass, which Havertz flicked on. Arsenal playing some lovely football.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:40 , Matt Verri
Arsenal fans enjoying themselves now, even in the lashing rain.
“Are you Tottenham in disguise?” sing the fans in the Clock End.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:39 , Matt Verri
79 mins: Not as strong a night as many of his team-mates, but Havertz does offer something in the air for Arsenal when they go long. Won a couple of headers.
He’s leading the line now after Jesus’ withdrawal, much more involved since the switch.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:37 , Matt Verri
76 mins: One final change for Arsenal, Rice is off and wrapped up ahead of Tottenham’s visit on Sunday.
Jorginho, a Champions League winner, on for the final 15 minutes or so.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:35 , Matt Verri
74 mins: Arsenal were relatively low-key for the opening 20 minutes of the second-half, which was suiting PSV just fine.
Nelson, Smith Rowe and Vieira have changed that. They’re all desperate to make an impression and the visitors look ragged now.
Lovely chop from Vieira, comes to Havertz and his strike is deflected away.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:34 , Matt Verri
Excellent finish from Odegaard and PSV are throwing in their rain-drenched towel. How many more do Arsenal want?
GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 PSV | Martin Odegaard 70'
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:31 , Matt Verri
Odegaard gets in on the fun!
Smith Rowe really strong in the build-up, before Nelson plays it inside to Odegaard.
Outside the area, drills a low strike into the bottom corner. Catches it so sweetly.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:29 , Matt Verri
68 mins: Here is that very popular Arsenal change.
Smith Rowe is on for a rare appearance, replacing Jesus. Vieira on for Saka.
Perfect night for Arteta, who gets to bring his key men off early.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:27 , Matt Verri
Emile Smith Rowe coming on - and getting a huge cheer from fans around the bench.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:26 , Matt Verri
65 mins: Saliba nearly caught out there, ball bobbled off him and Lang briefly thought he was clean through on goal.
Frenchman swiftly regained control of the situation though, before strolling out of defence without a care in the world. Ridiculously calm.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:22 , Matt Verri
62 mins: Arsenal controlling things nicely, knocking the ball around and PSV not looking quite as dangerous now.
And the Gunners nearly make it four. Havertz takes up a lovely position in the box, found by Nelson. Great dinked ball into the middle, Jesus unable to turn the ball home from a tight angle.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:19 , Matt Verri
The changes have begun for Arsenal and surely it won’t be long before Saka and Jesus are off.
Feels like time to get them rested for Tottenham on Sunday.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:19 , Matt Verri
58 mins: Arteta’s thoughts turning to this weekend’s north London derby?
Two changes for the Gunners. Zinchenko and Trossard off, Tomiyasu and Nelson introduced.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:18 , Matt Verri
57 mins: Play is paused, De Jong down with an issue.
Well, he’s down. Jumps up once Arsenal stop and he’s whining at the referee. And then marches over to have a go at Rice, who is not having it at all.
PSV striker not happy with Rice, who caught him slightly as he passed the ball wide.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:15 , Matt Verri
54 mins: Main danger for Arsenal right now is complacency.
A couple of loose passes at the back since the break, PSV sensing they might be gifted an opportunity.
The visitors are away on the counter again, Bakayoko inside onto his left foot but curled straight at Raya.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:11 , Matt Verri
50 mins: Should be 4-0!
He’s done a lot right, but that wasn’t great from Jesus. Odegaard with a lovely dinked ball through to him, first touch sets Jesus up perfectly for the shot in the box.
Opts to try and chop inside onto his left foot, loses the ball.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:09 , Matt Verri
49 mins: Late challenge from Boscagli, absolutely clatters into Jesus from behind. File that one under ‘frustrated challenge’. He’s had enough of the Brazilian turning him.
Jesus is away again in behind, cuts inside and looks to poke the ball into the middle, too many PSV players in the way though.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:08 , Matt Verri
47 mins: More of the same from Lang at the start of the half - really sharp.
Skips away from Saka and into the box, goes down under pressure from White. Never getting a penalty for that, despite his complaints.
Back underway!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 21:05 , Matt Verri
Up and running in the second-half at the Emirates!
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:57 , Matt Verri
A dream half for the Gunners. Some of PSV’s defending has been suspect at times, but they have been so ruthlessly punished for it.
Jesus, Saka and Trossard all excellent as a front-three. Arsenal could finish this with five or six.
Saka got Arsenal up and running...
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:50 , Matt Verri
Bukayo Saka gets Arsenal off the mark! 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/IhlTK7Wswh
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 20, 2023
HT: Arsenal 3-0 PSV
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:50 , Matt Verri
Perfect first 45 minutes back in the Champions League for Arsenal.
Their front three have all got themselves on the scoresheet, PSV torn apart by the Gunners in attack.
So far, so good for Arsenal!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:48 , Matt Verri
45 mins: Two minutes added on.
Rain continues to pour down in north London, but it hasn’t slowed Arsenal down. Or Arteta, for that matter. He’s still marching around his technical area.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:45 , Matt Verri
43 mins: Cynical trip from White, obvious yellow card and he doesn’t bother to protest. He’s had a fairly difficult night so far.
PSV look to send the ball long towards De Jong, Gabriel sees it coming though and is alert to clear the danger.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:44 , Matt Verri
41 mins: Jesus ends up in Arteta’s technical area as he gets a shove right in front of his boss, referee doesn’t think it’s a foul though.
Arsenal swiftly have the ball back though, Odegaard plays the ball in behind and Saka is very nearly there on the end of it. Pass it just too heavy.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:41 , Matt Verri
Some of this defending by PSV is shambolic.
The backline was a dog leg there, meaning Trossard was onside - and then Jesus has time to bring a cross down in the box. Arsenal could have five or six by the end.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 PSV | Gabriel Jesus 38'
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:40 , Matt Verri
IT’S 3-0!
PSV enjoying a good spell but they’ve been ruthlessly punished. Again.
Ball over the top for Trossard, who is away down the left. He clips a ball to the back post, Jesus brings it down and lashes a finish past Benitez.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:39 , Matt Verri
37 mins: PSV corner in front of the away fans, who are still making plenty of noise.
Take two coming up - ball whipped in towards the back post and Saliba gets up to flick it behind for another corner.
Almost! Bella-Kotchap wins the header, directs it wide though. Not far away from finding one of his team-mates for a tap-in.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:36 , Matt Verri
34 mins: Pace of the match has just eased off, Arsenal not quite as relentless in their press and trying to win it back.
PSV seeing plenty of the ball, but a lot of it in the last few minutes has just been side-to-side at the back and in midfield.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:34 , Matt Verri
All of PSV’s joy, when they get it, is coming through Noa Lang - who looks electric out left.
He gets in again and Ben White has words with William Saliba. Not entirely a happy camp at the back.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:34 , Matt Verri
31 mins: Gunners fortunate there. Lang looks to have the beating of White out wide.
Drives into the box, fires the ball across the face of goal and it bounces off Saliba, into the very grateful arms of Raya.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:31 , Matt Verri
29 mins: Trossard slides a pass into Jesus, back to goal but it’s another lovely turn... this time he’s just crowded out before he can get the shot away.
Front three for Arsenal have all started brilliantly - Gunners would love Havertz to now get involved and find a confidence-boosting goal.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:28 , Matt Verri
26 mins: This is as good as Arsenal have looked in forward areas all season. By a mile.
Brilliant footwork from Jesus on the edge of the area, works room for the shot and Benitez produces a really good save to tip it behind for a corner.
Another big chance! Saka swings the ball in deep, Gabriel completely free at the back post but he lost sight of the ball and it just bounces off him. Think it might have been disallowed anyway, maybe a foul on the goalkeeper.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:26 , Matt Verri
24 mins: Sensational in attack... still slightly shaky at the back. Arsenal are not looking hugely secure, PSV continuing to flood forward in search of a way back into this game. Lang’s shot from distance is blocked, before Raya claims the cross into the middle.
At the other end, more of that brilliant attacking play. Jesus chops inside, big chance to make it 3-0 but Benitez produces the save.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:24 , Matt Verri
What a goal that was. Shades of the Arsenal from the 00s that, counter-attacking like a sprint relay team.
PSV cut to pieces.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 PSV | Leandro Trossard 20'
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:23 , Matt Verri
Arsenal cruising now!
Brilliant finish from Trossard. Jesus pounces on a loose ball and Arsenal are all of a sudden away on the counter, as the Brazilian flicks the ball out to Saka.
He drives towards the PSV box, lays it across to Trossard and he just bends a lovely strike into the bottom corner.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:21 , Matt Verri
19 mins: Every attack feels like it could be a goal.
Patient from the Gunners, Trossard starting to grow into the match. He picks out Odegaard with the cut-back, shot swept towards the far corner and Benitez very nearly pushes it out into the path of Jesus.
PSV goalkeeper just about reacts in time to gather.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:20 , Matt Verri
17 mins: Without wishing to jinx anything, there is no chance that finishes 1-0. Both sides looking dangerous.
Trossard has time to stand a ball up to the back post, Jesus rises well but he can’t direct the header at all and it bobbles away.
At the other end, PSV plays a low cross into the middle and Raya is off his line well to claim.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:17 , Matt Verri
15 mins: PSV are just leaving Dest to deal with Saka by himself, which seems a bit cruel. He’s really struggling whenever the Arsenal man gets the ball.
Plenty of positives signs for the visitors in attack though, they are still knocking the ball around with lots of confidence.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:15 , Matt Verri
13 mins: Concern for the Gunners, as PSV appeal for a penalty.
The Dutch side looking for a swift response, Bakayoko away down the right and his ball into the box hits Zinchenko’s hand. VAR has a quick look, but play is waved on.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:13 , Matt Verri
11 mins: Had to be 2-0!
Arsenal are tearing PSV apart. Saka unplayable out on the right, he shifts it inside for Odegaard. Pass is played wide to White, he fires the ball across the face of goal and Jesus somehow fails to make contact from a matter of yards away. Should have scored.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:12 , Matt Verri
There were fears about Arsenal having so many Champions League debutants, well Saka has just marked his in style.
Perfect start for the Gunners.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 PSV | Bukayo Saka 8'
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:11 , Matt Verri
Saka and Jesus combine nicely in the box, with the England star then going down under what looks to be a clumsy challenge. Referee not interested. Arsenal players didn’t appear hugely convinced themselves.
BUT SAKA HAS HIS GOAL!
Less than a minute later, Arsenal take the lead. Odegaard has space outside the area, decent strike and it’s parried straight out, where Saka is on hand to provide the finish.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:08 , Matt Verri
5 mins: PSV getting plenty of numbers forward when they do have the ball, Arsenal not looking hugely secure at the back.
A couple of loose passes, before Saliba is very casual as he tries to deal with a bouncing ball. Falls for De Jong, scuffs an effort wide.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:05 , Matt Verri
3 mins: First sign of the Gunners in attack and it’s a sharp move.
Odegaard flicks the ball through to Saka, he’s very nearly in on goal but PSV scramble it away. Arsenal want a corner... it’s a goal-kick.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:04 , Matt Verri
2 mins: Arsenal have a habit of making awful starts at the Emirates, and they’re not exactly quick out of the blocks here.
Inside the opening minute, Lang is allowed to cut inside off the left wing, gets the shot away and Raya is down at his near post to make a relatively routine save.
KICK-OFF!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 20:02 , Matt Verri
Underway in north London!
Here we go!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:59 , Matt Verri
Players are out onto the pitch and a huge roar as the Champions League anthem is played. Arsenal fans have been waiting a long time to hear that again.
Big, big smile on Rice’s face as he looks around the ground. Time to get this one up and running.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:55 , Matt Verri
Some atmosphere here. You can sense how much the fans are relishing this.
Time for the players to deliver now.
Bellingham steps up again
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:52 , Matt Verri
In the early Champions League action, Jude Bellingham of course was the hero for Real Madrid.
His 94th-minute goal gave the LaLiga side a 1-0 win over Union Berlin, and continued what has been a remarkable start to life in Spain for Bellingham.
Arsenal will be keen to ensure they do not need to leave it that late...
The anthem just ten minutes away...
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:47 , Matt Verri
The champioooons 🤩#ARSPSV #UCL pic.twitter.com/1FIMoAWNjX
— PSV (@PSV) September 20, 2023
Jesus reveals love for Champions League
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:41 , Matt Verri
Gabriel Jesus is relishing being back in the Champions League with Arsenal - revealing he used to skip school as a child to watch the competition.
“It is different because I remember the times I watch at home, the times I missed school to watch and my Mum got crazy,” said Jesus.
“It starts from there, you know. It was different to hear the music, to see the best clubs. Probably because of that. All the leagues, the best clubs go.
“I think this helps a lot, then it is a different game, a different competition. The clubs who win the league qualify for the Champions League, they have more quality and that’s what makes this special.
“As a kid you do things you don’t control - so kids, don’t do it… go to school! I just go to school and then in half-time, in Brazil it works like this – we do three hours and then we stop to eat.
“In this break, I went home to watch the game. When my Mum got home, I was late, I was supposed to be at home already but now of course she knows.”
Glorious London evening...
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:35 , Matt Verri
Lights, camera, action 🎬@ChampionsLeague nights at Arsenal Stadium 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wPt2ioBGL2
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 20, 2023
Arteta tells players: Don’t be scared!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:30 , Matt Verri
Mikel Arteta has warned his young Arsenal squad not to be overawed by the occasion tonight, when many of his players will make their Champions League debuts.
Only 11 of the squad have played Champions League football before, with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice among those making their competition bows. Arteta was in their position as a teenager, playing for Paris Saint-Germain against AC Milan at the San Siro.
He said: “I went from playing in the second division [in Spain] and a week later I was playing with PSG in the San Siro, looking at [Paolo] Maldini, [Alessandro] Costacurta — and I was scared.
“I was in the tunnel looking at them, they all looked immaculate and I was just a 17-year-old boy [thinking], ‘I don’t know if I am ready for this!’
“The lesson probably is that you feel like this, [but] once you are on the pitch, just do what you do every single day and treat it in a natural way. Go for it, like we always do.”
Room for improvement...
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:24 , Matt Verri
The last time Arsenal were in the Champions League, they were beaten 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich.
Six years since that painful defeat, with this the club’s first match back in the competition since then.
Been plenty of change off the pitch in north London since then, and a fair bit on it too. This was the Arsenal starting lineup that night...
Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey; Walcott, Giroud, Sanchez
Bakayoko to shine for PSV?
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:19 , Matt Verri
Johan Bakayoko, 20, is one of the hottest prospects in European football and has been linked with Liverpool after rejecting a move to Brentford in the summer.
Playing out wide tonight, he has had to step up and become PSV’s main man after the departures of Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons.
A pacy and skilful forward, Bakayoko will look to give PSV an outlet on the counter.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:12 , Matt Verri
"Mikel Arteta has stuck with David Raya - that sends out a pretty clear message."
🗣 @sr_collings gives his pre-match thoughts as Aaron Ramsdale is once again named on the Arsenal bench.
LIVE: https://t.co/HImVZMfbPx #ARSPSV | #UCL pic.twitter.com/vKn7dPEimu— Standard Sport (@standardsport) September 20, 2023
PSV team news
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:03 , Matt Verri
Starting XI: Benitez; Teze, Bella-Kotchap, Boscagli, Dest; Saibari, Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, De Jong, Lang.
Subs: Drommel, Waterman, Sambo, Ramalho, Tillman, Pepi, Til, Babadi, Lozano, Van Aanholt, Vertessen.
Raya keeps his place!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 19:01 , Matt Verri
Lots of talk from Arteta that he will switch between his goalkeepers as he would in any other position, but it’s Raya who once again starts for the Gunners tonight. Ramsdale on the bench.
Havertz comes into the midfield as Viera drops out, while Trossard and Jesus start up front with Martinelli injured and Nketiah among the substitutes.
Rice, Saka and White among those making their first Champions League appearances tonight...
Arsenal team news
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:56 , Matt Verri
Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Subs: Ramsdale, Hein, Cedric, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Elneny, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Nelson
Arteta: Always believed we would return to Champions League
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:52 , Matt Verri
Mikel Arteta says he always believed that he would guide Arsenal back to the Champions League.
The Gunners are returning to the competition for the first time since the 2016/17 season and kick off their campaign tonight against PSV.
It has not been an easy journey to this point, with Arteta having to battle through rocky patches and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Spaniard, however, insists he never lost faith and is determined that the club kick on from here.
“It feels like yesterday, but in the same way it feels like many more years ago,” said Arteta, reflecting on Arsenal’s journey under his tutelage.
“Obviously we had some big situations to go through. We did it together and in a really powerful way as a club, with everyone that was involved in that process.
“We always believed that we were going to reach there, but something is to try to plan and then to do it. We don’t want to stop here — that is for sure. That is the aim, to continue to be better.
“Probably when we look back in a few years we will understand a lot of changes and a lot of mistakes along the way that have made us better.”
Gunners in the building!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:43 , Matt Verri
The Arsenal are here 🏡
Team news 🔜 pic.twitter.com/yP2bfHJDvq— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 20, 2023
Familiar foes
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:35 , Matt Verri
This match was a Europa League fixture last season.
Arsenal and PSV met in the group-stage of the competition, with both winning their home matches against the other.
The Gunners were knocked out in the round of 16 by Sporting, while PSV lost to eventual winners Sevilla in the knockout round.
Here’s how Arsenal earned a narrow win over PSV when the sides met at the Emirates...
Arteta can prove he belongs among elite
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:28 , Matt Verri
After six years away, Arsenal are back in the Champions League — and Mikel Arteta has a point to prove.
The Spaniard has worked wonders since taking over at Emirates Stadium in 2019, guiding the Gunners to FA Cup glory in 2020 and turning them into title contenders.
Success in Europe, however, has proved elusive. During three seasons in the Europa League, Arsenal never won a knockout game at home, though they did reach the semi-finals in 2020-21.
Arteta is rightly regarded among the most progressive, forward-thinking coaches in the game, but the Champions League offers a chance for him to take his place among Europe’s elite.
Read Simon Collings’ full preview here!
Odegaard: We are lucky to have two strong goalkeepers
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:21 , Matt Verri
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has praised Aaron Ramsdale for the way he responded to being dropped for David Raya.
Summer signing Raya made his Gunners debut in their 1-0 win at Everton yesterday. Ramsdale has been No1 since joining from Sheffield United for £30million last year, but Mikel Arteta had made it clear there is no guaranteed first-choice.
Odegaard believes Arsenal are “lucky” to have such strength in depth in goal and has backed Ramsdale to respond to the new competition.
“I think he will just keep working hard, like he is always doing,” he said. “Today he was there supporting us, cheering for us, helping us. He is a great character and he showed a very good response today by backing the team. It was excellent from him.
“We have two good goalkeepers and big competition. They have different qualities. They are both so good on the ball and in goal as well. So, we are lucky to have two such good goalkeepers and we will see who plays.”
It’s... quiet grey
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:14 , Matt Verri
Arsenal v PSV. Champions League football is back at the Emirates. pic.twitter.com/F4Iu09FLlo
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) September 20, 2023
Rice to dominate in midfield?
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:08 , Matt Verri
PSV lost Ibrahim Sangare to Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day, leaving a huge hole in their midfield.
The 25-year-old anchored the team and his absence allows Arsenal the chance to dominate that area.
Declan Rice has already become a key figure since joining and will look to command midfield. Even if Arteta rotates in the group games, Rice is likely to get plenty of minutes.
Goalkeeper battle
Wednesday 20 September 2023 18:03 , Matt Verri
Who starts in goal will be a selection dilemma ahead of every Arsenal game.
Mikel Arteta insisted he does not have a No1. after David Raya started at Everton on Sunday, but Aaron Ramsdale will hope to return this evening.
Ramsdale played a key role in getting Arsenal back into this competition, and starting the group games would be a valid reward. Whoever starts must perform.
Get yourself in the mood!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:57 , Matt Verri
Champions League nights under the lights 🤩 pic.twitter.com/z0jdzAQhsL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 20, 2023
Standard Sport prediction
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:52 , Matt Verri
It will be interesting to see how these Arsenal players, many of whom have never featured in this competition, deal with what is a big occasion for the club.
The Gunners are yet to fully click into gear so far this season, particularly in forward areas, but they should enough to get the job done here.
Arsenal to win 3-1.
PSV team news
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:46 , Matt Verri
For PSV, Noa Lang is a doubt after coming off injured against NEC, meaning Hirving Lozano could make his second debut for the club.
Luuk de Jong will lead the line, with Armel Bella-Kotchap in contention to start defensively.
Arsenal team news
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:43 , Matt Verri
Leandro Trossard is primed to start Arsenal’s Champions League opener tonight.
Fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli is out with a hamstring injury and that has paved the way for his rival to come into the team. The Belgian came off the bench at the weekend and scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners beat Everton at Goodison Park.
Kai Havertz could come into the midfield in place of Fabio Vieira, while Gabriel Jesus will hope to start up front. The Brazilian missed the start of the season with a knee injury but has confirmed that he is now fully fit.
“My knee is better,” he said. “It was unlucky and I had to do it (surgery) and now I am getting better. Now my knee is perfect. I have more rhythm. I am training, I am doing my best.”
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
How to watch Arsenal vs PSV
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:36 , Matt Verri
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Live stream: Subscribers can watch a live stream on the TNT Sports App.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with right here with us! Simon Collings and Dan Kilpatrick will be providing expert analysis from the ground.
Good evening!
Wednesday 20 September 2023 17:30 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs PSV!
Big night for the Gunners, back in the Champions League and they kick off their European campaign at home to the Dutch side. Six years since Arsenal last played in the competition - fair bit has changed at the club since then!
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the Emirates Stadium!