Arsenal are preparing for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven.
It was so nearly a reunion for Robin Van Persie at Arsenal as the Gunners had the chance to face either Feyenoord or PSV.
The draw saw PSV become Mikel Arteta’s next Champions League challenge, meeting the Dutch side once more after crossing paths only last season.
Sitting second in Eredivisie, eight points below the summit, PSV are in a similar situation to Arsenal, who having all-but lost out on the Premier League title, will be eyeing European glory.
Peter Bosz’s verdict on Arsenal after 2023 Champions League clash
The last time the two sides met was only in December 2023, as Arsenal drew 1-1 with PSV away from home but, the second meeting was a very different story.
At the Emirates in September of that year, Arsenal thrashed the Dutch giants 4-0 in North London, leaving manager Peter Bosz in awe of Arteta’s side.
After the fixture, Bosz, who is still manager of PSV, called the Gunners one of the world’s best in glowing praise over Arteta’s work.
“The difference in quality was just too big tonight,” Bosz told the media post-match.
“If we were to lie in front of the box we would have conceded to them too. We did not defend well in our own box, we were not short. But that also has to do with their quality.
“Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world, we are not. I don’t blame the boys.”
On that night, four different attacking goalscorers made the scoresheets, with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard finding the net.
What might give Bosz some encouragement ahead of Tuesday night’s meeting at the Philips Stadion is that Arteta could only wish his attack was that strong right now.
It’s quite the opposite at the Emirates at present, with Arsenal struggling to score with limited attackers available, seeing 50% of their scorers against PSV out of action due to injury.
To add to the pressure, Martin Odegaard is out of form and despite his best efforts, Trossard is finding it difficult to have a positive influence amid a lack of creative output.
Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven head-to-head
As alarming as Arsenal’s attacking struggles are, Arteta must be eyeing Champions League glory to save the Gunners’ season.
The manager has done remarkably well to have his team in the position it is, sitting second in the Premier League and showing strong form in Europe.
| Played | Win | Draw | Loss |
| 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Before dreaming of the Champions League, Arteta must overcome PSV and, overcome a rather lacklustre record against the Dutch side.
Arsenal have a win rate of just 40% against PSV, winning on four occasions, drawing four and losing twice.
What’s important is that Arsenal return to the Emirates for the second-leg in a good position to play without panic for a spot in the quarter final.
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