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ARSENAL demolished PSV Eisenhoven 9-3 on aggregate to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
A much-changed Gunners side drew 2-2 in the second leg at the Emirates after blowing the Dutch champions away by a 7-1 scoreline last Tuesday.
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Getty
PSV faced an impossible task of overturning the ridiculous six-goal deficit – but gave it a respectable go.
Oleksandr Zinchenko curled in a sixth minute opener, before former Spurs star Ivan Perisic levelled.
Rice headed in Raheem Sterling’s brilliant cross on the stroke of half-time, before Couhaib Driouech made it 2-2 on the night.
But Arsenal now face an even more ominous task of facing either 15-time champions Real Madrid in the last-eight on April 8.
Perhaps Sterling doubling his assist tally for the entire season with two on Wednesday evening was the only thing of note.
That and Zinchenko refusing to celebrate against his old loan club – where he made 17 in the 2016/2027 season.
Arsenal made seven changes ahead of kick-off, with full-back Kieran Tierney playing as a WINGER, alongside stand-in No 9 Mikel Merino.
Here is how SunSport’s Dan King rated Arsenal‘s performances in North London.
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David Raya – 7
Had absolutely nothing of note to do before he found himself picking the ball out of the net.
Had to find focus quickly because Driouech’s deflected shot was creeping in before the Spaniard fingertipped it around the post.
Will not have been impressed with a lot that was going on in front of him, especially down the PSV left.
Made another good save, from Isaac Babadi, before being totally exposed again for PSV’s second equaliser, which was also an excellent finish.
Saved Jorginho’s blushes late on with another save.
Ben White – 4
First start since November 10 after knee surgery just in time for plenty of England speculation..
Plenty of energy, pressing high into the PSV half when required and getting forward to deliver a dangerous cross inside 15 minutes.
But rustiness clear in two first-half mistakes that almost led to goals for Driouech. He was rescued by Raya the first time, and by Gabriel the second. Hit a tame shot straight at Benitez.
Trademark spikiness in a spat with Tyrell Malacia but most of dangers was coming down his flank.
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Jakub Kiwior – 6
Had to fill in to cover injuries a few times but this was very much a case of his presence indicating a game without much jeopardy.
Although he did his best to create some with a panicky attempted clearance that gave Johan Bakayoko a decent chance just before Perisic’s equaliser.
Rightly unhappy to be booked for a tussle with Perisic and looked more solid as the game went on.
Gabriel – 6
The Brazilian’s decision-making is usually excellent but when faced with a stick or twist dilemma, he left Perisic all on his own to equalise when PSV broke.
Regained his composure to make a superb sprinting block in the box when White gave the ball away and could not catch Driouech.
Was clearly frustrated with some of his team-mates, judging by the frequent arm gestures and the mini-tantrum after PSV’s second goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Arteta admitted the youngster became a “liability” in the away leg but gave him the chance to redeem himself in a match with less riding on it.
It might be a bit harsh to criticise him for the Perisic goal, but once Gabriel had stepped across MLS really needed to bust a gut to get goal side of the Croat.
Almost restored Arsenal’s lead but PSV keeper Walter Benitez actually made a decent smothering save that diverted the ball on to the post.
Set up decent second-half chance for Calafiori in solid performance.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Instead of inverting into midfield from full back, the Ukrainian was asked to be there all the time.
And he made his presence felt with a brilliant finish from outside the box after only six minutes.
Zinchenko looked comfortable on the ball, although sometimes looked unsure where he needed to be when out of possession.
Yet this was a decent all-round performance, especially compared to Jorginho just inside him.
You can never question his commitment to the cause and willingness to do whatever job is asked of him.
Jorginho – 4
Man voted most likely by his peers to become a coach was asked to anchor the team in what was at times a 4-1-4-1 formation.
There is no doubting the Italian’s footballing brain but you wondered about his legs when he was trying in vain to get back to prevent Perisic’s goal.
Important defensive header early in the second half but then caught out, losing the ball and unable to recover as Driouech made it 2-2. Another mistake gave PSV late chance to win it.
Declan Rice – 7
The England star had been quietly efficient before restoring Arsenal’s lead with a powerful header.
Showed off his usual strength, commitment and stamina in a controlled performance.
Arteta had to include some of his regular starting 11 but can ill afford any more injuries to key players, so took the chance to bring Rice off before three-quarter mark.
Another Arsenal player to receive a strange yellow card from the Slovenian referee and substituted straight afterwards.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Livelier than usual right from the start, releasing the ball for Zinchenko to run on and score.
Improved confidence was clear in way he attempted give-and-go’s and solo runs.
One of those, and a fine cross, created Arsenal’s second for Rice.
Yet the lack of complete belief could be seen in unconvincing finish when Zinchenko played him through late in first half.
Faded a bit after the break, but kept going and almost got the goal at the death that most were willing him to score.
Booked in stoppage time for rash foul so will miss first leg of QF.
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Kieran Tierney – 6
Having been preferred to Sterling as an attacking substitute in a recent game, the Scottish full back was given the chance to show what he could do from the start.
The answer was: not a great deal. His ball retention and passing were fine but he didn’t offer much in the final third.
Victim of a spiteful foul by Perisic that somehow didn’t earn a booking.
Fair to say that his defensive nous was a help to Lewis-Skelly, the midfielder being picked ahead of him
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Mikel Merino – 6
Almost carved himself out a shooting opportunity straight from kick-off but Arsenal’s makeshift striker was soon upstaged by Zinchenko.
A backheel flick almost turned into an assist for Lewis-Skelly, but only thanks to a deflection.
Adept at holding up the ball and linking play but in terms of threat in the penalty area, the two-goal cameo at Leicester felt like a long time ago.
The second half pretty much passed him by until he was taken off in a double change.
SUBS
Leandro Trossard (’63 for Merino) – 5
Not much is running for the Belgian at the moment.
Made little impact, giving a new meaning to the term “false nine”.
Riccardo Calafiori (’63 for Rice) – 6
The Italian defender is one of Arsenal’s best finishers but the chance laid on for him by Lewis-Skelly seemed to come too early and his shot was saved.
Good block on a Babadi shot.
Martin Odegaard (‘ 79 for Zinchenko ) – 6
Added a bit of late zip to Arsenal’s attacks lbut did not have enough time to influence proceedings much.
Jurrien Timber (‘ 79 for White) – 6
On a night when Arsenal used four, five, or even six left backs, depending on your point of view, the Dutchman shored up the Arsenal right in the final minutes..
Gabriel Martinelli (’80 for Tierney) – 6
Got a few more minutes in his legs ahead of Sunday’s important game against Chelsea.
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