PSV lost 1-0 on a visit to Arsenal. The Eindhoven team held out in London for a long time, but succumbed to English pressure twenty minutes before time. A goal from Granit Xhaka made the difference in this Europa-League topper.
PSV has been in excellent form in recent weeks, but whether that was enough to make it difficult for England’s number one was the question. The people of Eindhoven were hardly dangerous offensively in London; defensively it was solid.
Of course Arsenal were the better team, although the English played with a largely B team. PSV certainly remained upright in the first half. It didn’t allow a shot on target.
Walter Benitez
The pace picked up in the second half and PSV ran into more and more problems. Goalkeeper Walter Benítez was in excellent shape and managed to stop several attempts by star player Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal wanted to virtually secure the lead in the group and brought in Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard, normally basic players. It ensured that PSV came under even more pressure. Too much pressure, because after seventy minutes it was still hit for the English top club.
Xhaka was completely free on a cross from the right. The Swiss midfielder shot the ball past the PSV goalie from the bounce. 1-0 and yet it seemed as if the game had been decided.
Yet PSV still had a great chance, only the cross from substitute Jordan Teze to Luuk de Jong, who also came in, was not right. Earlier, Xavi Simons was close to an Eindhoven goal. However, it remained 1-0.
agreement?
The defeat in the English capital is absolutely no disaster for PSV, let alone a disgrace. The formation of trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij went down fighting. Due to this result, it seems that the decision for second place in this pool will normally fall in Bodø. The only question that remains is with which starting position PSV will go there.
Arsenal will come to Eindhoven next week. In the event of a draw, the ‘Gunners’ are definitively certain of the top position in the group and PSV only needs one point in Norway. An agreement would not be bad, although it is still very early for that.