Arsenal are on a very encouraging path after their 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16.
The first leg exceeded expectations astronomically, as Arsenal won 7-1 against PSV, who are yet to lose at the Philips Stadion in the Eredivisie this season.
Mikel Arteta predicted that his side would have a high-scoring game, overcoming criticism of Arsenal’s lack of attacking spark in style.
With six different names on the scoresheet and a defiant lead to take into the second leg at the Emirates, Arsenal will be travelling back to N5 full of confidence.
Arsenal complete feat that previously ended in European silverware
It was a history-making night for the visitors, with Ethan Nwaneri writing his name into the record books by becoming the third U18 English player to start in a Champions League knockout game.
On a night that saw the Gunners break several records, one milestone stood out and will motivate Arteta to achieve his Champions League dream.
For the first time in 32 years, Arsenal scored six or more goals away from home in Europe, dating back to George Graham’s 7-0 win against Standard Liege in the Cup Winners’ Cup.
What’s significant about the record is that the last time the Gunners achieved the high-scoring feat, they won European silverware.
In the 1993/94 campaign, Arsenal won the Cup Winners’ Cup, which was remarkably the last time that the North Londoners had their hands on a major European trophy.
Arteta’s side have started to walk down a path that previously delivered European glory, a quest the manager will be desperate to complete in this season’s Champions League.
Mikel Arteta emphasises ‘reality’ after PSV win
While the Spaniard has completed one feat that could end with Arsenal winning the Champions League, there was no talk about what the future could hold for the North Londoners in the competition.
After a 7-1 win on the road, it’s easy to dream, but Arteta was eager to bring his players back down to earth after the resounding victory.
“Well, it’s very significant but it’s just to put yourself in a really strong position to go through into the next round, and that’s it, that’s the reality,” the Arsenal manager said in his post-match press conference.
Arteta downplayed talk of the quarter-final but, celebrated the history-making win his players achieved.
“To have a landmark, you have to really take it to a different level but obviously, this team has done a lot that hasn’t been done in many years or in the history of the club, which means a lot.”
Next week, the Emirates plays host to the clash once more to determine the outcome of the tie, with PSV having a six-goal hill to climb if they are to reach the final eight.
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