Arsenal 1–0 PSV Eindhoven
by Layth Yousif
at Ashburton Grove

REDEMPTION man Granit Xhaka fired Arsenal into the knockout stages of the Europa League with a 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at Ashburton Grove on Thursday evening.

The triumph ensured Mikel Arteta’s side went five points clear at the top of Group A, meaning the Gunners are through to February’s play-off round at the very least.

It was Arsenal’s eighth win on the bounce in all competitions, with the north Londoners aiming to make it through to the last 16 by topping the group if they claim a point in the reverse fixture next week.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side were initially set to play in the capital last month, but the match was postponed due to “severe limitations on police resources” after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It was easy to see why when the match was marred by visiting Dutch supporters ripping up and throwing seats at home fans and officers at the final whistle.

On the field, Arsenal dominated but were unable to break the deadlock, with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka going close. Walter Benitez was far busier between the sticks than Aaron Ramsdale’s Euro stand-in Matt Turner.

PSV’s Argentine goalkeeper was eventually beaten when Xhaka drove home from Takehiro Tomiyashu’s cross.

Speaking afterwards, Arteta praised 30-year-old Xhaka saying: “He has faced adversity in difficult moments … the love for his football club and his profession is unquestionable.”

Norwegian group opponents Bodo/Glimt could still create an upset if Arsenal beat PSV next Thursday in Holland and the team from the Arctic Circle win their last two matches, including against van Nistelrooy’s side.

The former Manchester United striker admitted: “Arsenal deserved to win.”