Arsenal had a successful return to the Champions League with a 4-0 demolition of outmatched PSV Eindhoven in Group B on Wednesday.
Before halftime, goals by Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus gave them an easy victory—six years after their last participation among Europe’s top. Captain Martin Odegaard also scored in the second half.
After eight minutes, Saka, one of seven Arsenal players making their competition debuts, scored from close range. Twelve minutes later, Trossard’s low strike made it 2-0 before Jesus slammed Arsenal’s third goal to essentially seal the victory.
Read Also:Bellingham Scores Late To Hand Madrid Narrow Win Over Union Berlin
Next week, Arsenal, who has 13 points after five Premier League games, travels to Lens, while PSV must try to mend some of the damage at home against Sevilla.
When Arsenal last competed in the Champions League, Bayern Munich humiliated them 10-2 on the road, and ever since, they haven’t consistently finished in the top four of the Premier League.
They returned to the top table after finishing second to Manchester City last season, and Dutch team PSV proved to be the ideal opponents on a soggy night in north London.
In the first minute, Noa Lang forced Spain’s David Raya into a routine stop after the visitors put the English custodian Aaron Ramsdale to the test.
One-way traffic was then in effect.
When Odegaard’s attempt was just parried by Walter Benitez, Saka was quick enough to guide the ball home from close range as Arsenal’s first goal.
PSV gave the ball away on a surge forward, which led to a quick counterattack that culminated with Saka setting up Trossard for a low shot that flew across the wet pitch and into the corner. PSV were the architects of their own demise for Arsenal’s second goal.
Trossard then took on the role of a provider by setting up Jesus, who used a deft touch to fire a shot into the goal.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, had the option of making replacements during the second half because Sunday’s game was a north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Saka, Jesus, and Declan Rice all received early rests.
After 70 minutes, skipper Odegaard hammered home a brilliant fourth to round off a very enjoyable evening for Arsenal, who were still far too slick for their opponents.