Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals despite being held to a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta made several changes to his side after storming to a 7-1 success in the Netherlands a week ago, resting William Saliba and Martin Odegaard. His decision to give his fringe players a chance looked to have paid off when Raheem Sterling set up Oleksandr Zinchenko for the opener, before Ivan Perisic equalised with 18 minutes gone. Sterling then assisted Declan Rice to restore the hosts’ lead.
But after the break, the Gunners’ complacency crept in as some shoddy play allowed Couhaib Driouech to chip David Raya from outside the box. The north London side had plenty of chances to win the game on the night, but were never in any danger of going out as they sealed a 9-3 aggregate win and with it, their place in the last eight. Express Sport assesses the Arsenal player ratings from the Emirates.
David Raya 6
Would’ve been frustrated not to collect a clean sheet but could do nothing to stop Perisic’s effort. Then pulled off a fingertip save to deny Ledesma a quickfire second for PSV. Roared at his Arsenal team-mates after they lost the ball which led to Driouech’s deft chip to equalise.
Ben White 6
A first start for the right-back since recovering from knee surgery and inevitably, he had some cobwebs to shake off. Had one decent attempt saved by Walter Benitez. Defensively not quite there yet in terms of match fitness, but these minutes will help.
Jakub Kiwior 5
The Pole was caught out of position on a few occasions early on. Got nutmegged by Perisic but was very unfortunate to pick up a yellow card after winning the ball back fairly. Lost his marker again for the second goal and Gabriel’s ire was clear as he shouted at his defensive partner. Concerning that he was a bit of liability.
Gabriel Magalhaes 6
Didn’t cover himself in glory for the PSV equaliser, but soon made amends with a vital challenge on Ledesma that surely saved a goal. Defended strongly after that and remains a vital cog at the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 7
Was too high up the pitch and lost Perisic for the opener. Going forward, he was a threat and was unlucky to hit the woodwork when one on one with PSV goalkeeper Benitez. Improved immeasurably when he moved into midfield.
Jorginho 6
Captain for the night, the Italian was the glue that held the midfield together and threaded passes through the middle with ease. But the 34-year-old showed his vulnerability to the high press when he was robbed of possession and PSV scored seconds later.
Declan Rice 7
Rice could’ve used a rest, but the midfielder loves playing games and showed it as he pulled the strings from a deeper role than he’s accustomed to. He got his reward for a perfectly-timed run into the box after meeting Sterling’s cross. Booked for a stray arm on Isaac Babadi and subbed immediately after.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 8
Don’t let his muted celebration fool you. Zinchenko had a point to prove amid rumours over his future and he would’ve been delighted with his contribution, channelling his inner Bukayo Saka to bend one into the far corner from 20 yards out. He found his team-mates often and proved he can deputise as a creative force when Martin Odegaard needs a rest.
Raheem Sterling 8
His finest Arsenal performance to date. Had a hand in the opener after working hard to find Zinchenko in the middle and looked keen to make an impression with darting runs inside. Then did so well to carve out an opportunity for Rice by beating two men and floating in the cross. Two assists will do wonders for his confidence, although he missed a simple one on one as his wait for a goal goes on. Booked for a wild challenge late on.
Mikel Merino 6
A couple of nice touches from the makeshift No. 9 put Arsenal on the front foot in the first half. Otherwise, a fairly quiet night for the Spaniard while Sterling and co took the match by the scruff of the neck. Hooked midway through the second half ahead of the Chelsea game on Sunday.
Kieran Tierney 6
One thing you can guarantee from the Scot is plenty of running down the left and the Scot’s presence out wide allowed Lewis-Skelly to venture forward. As an attacking threat, he was lacking but you can’t expect much from left-back playing out of position.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori (on 64′) 6
A lovely move between the three left-backs nearly saw the Italian find the net, but he was denied by Benitez just minutes after coming on.
Leandro Trossard (on 64′) 6
Didn’t really get into the game.
Gabriel Martinelli (on 79′) 6
Had one half-chance on the break.
Martin Odegaard (on 79′) 6
Picked up where Zinchenko left off and enjoyed a fair share of the ball.
Jurrien Timber (on 79′) 6
Had one venture into the box but was nullified.
Not used: Neto, Setford, Partey, Saliba, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Nwaneri.