Arsenal are preparing for a huge game in their season as they look to progress in their only realistic chance of silverware this season.
Arsenal travel to PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash and Jurrien Timber has welcomed the return of Ben White to the matchday squad.
Arsenal do not have a good record against Dutch teams and also have bad memories of facing the Dutch side at this stage – PSV embarrassed Arsenal back in 2007.
Ivan Perisic has aimed a dig at Arsenal and things are spicing up ahead of a crucial first leg clash where Arsenal will be hoping to take a comfortable cushion back to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta still faces Arsenal problem from PSV defeat in 2022
The Gunners achieved four points from their encounters with PSV in last season’s Champions League group stage however, in the 2022-23 season, Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 at the Philips Stadion.
Speaking to TNT Sports after that defeat, Arteta spoke of how PSV deserved to win the game and how had his players were lacking something that is still prevalent in his current side.
Arteta stated: “The better team won. Very simple, I think they deserved to win, in the match they were better, they were much more committed than us in a lot of basics that are very relevant to win a football match.”
The Spaniard then went on to discuss how his side had a lot of possession but lacked any threat in their attacking play – an issue plaguing the current crop of players.
Arteta explained: “I think in the first half we had periods of real dominance and possession without any real threat and we always looked vulnerable, especially when we gave the ball away.”
Arteta highlights importance of Arsenal defence in Champions League run
With his side struggling for goals in the absence of a number of key forwards, Arteta has highlighted the importance of being solid in defence throughout their European campaign.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta hinted that the Gunners may focus on a more defensive approach to navigate their way through the remainder of the competition.
Arteta stated: “If you look at the history of the teams who have been very successful, the defensive record is critical. And then we have shown we have the capacity to score a lot of goals in the competition, obviously the options are different but the team still has a lot of resources to do that.”
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to continue at the heart of the defence and Arteta has a number of option in the full back areas with White now pushing Timber at right back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is available for the tie following his domestic suspension and may come in for Riccardo Calafiori despite impressing against Nottingham Forest.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
