Arsenal is still launching and proving its classification

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal extended their dream season by qualifying for the next stage of the Europa League after beating Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV 1-0, their direct rivals in Group A, and extending their lead to five points (12 to 7) in two days of play.

Next Thursday, Arsenal, also a prominent leader in the Premier League, visit Eindhoven with the aim of achieving at least a draw that would guarantee first place in the group and automatic qualification for the round of 16 without having to play the previous playoffs.

Today’s match at the Emirates was originally scheduled for September 15 but was postponed due to a lack of police personnel to ensure security due to acts in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Arteta is resting some starters

Mikel Arteta left six regular starters on the bench (Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Thomas Partey, Odegaard and Martinelli), but Arsenal’s performance did not suffer. His dominance was absolute, especially in the first half, monopolizing the ball giving a sense of danger against a PSV at times overwhelmed.

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Arsenal were vastly superior, playing fast football and killing off a rival who was used to attacking but this time they were forced to defend as best they could.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team fought back, very organized at all times and with central defenders André Ramalho and Armando Obispo as fencers, the constant siege of the ‘gunners’, victims of their lack of shooting because they did not complete their regular arrival to the point. that goalkeeper Walter Benítez did not need to intervene.

Benitez is fighting back

After the break, Arsenal insisted and the Argentine goalkeeper was forced to put on a show as in the 53rd minute, when he prevented Bukayo Saka’s entry by covering a shot with his body.

Gabriel Jesus, who was impressive as the game progressed, also fell to Benítez after a great game in which he received from behind, he outpaced the defenders who blocked him and fired a low shot from edge area ( 60 ‘).

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PSV had more of the ball in the second half and, ironically, Arsenal had more space to reach the area more clearly. The 0-0 score remained unchanged and Arteta decided to bring on regulars Thomas Partey and Odegaard first (67′) and Martinelli and White afterwards (76′).

Xhaka decided

Xavi Simons, the Barça academy player who gave PSV little chance and played a few minutes as a false 9, interfered with goalkeeper Matt Turner (68′) before Granit Xhaka ended PSV’s fightback by finishing early bounce center back. Takahiro Tomiysau from the right (70′).

Van Nistelrooy brought on former Barça player Luuk de Jong, but Arsenal were not satisfied and Benítez prevented him from closing out the match by taking shots from Martinelli and Saka. 1-0 was a meager reward for the ‘gunners’, who have maintained their impressive record since the start of the season with 13 wins and a single defeat in the 14 Premier and Europa League games they have played.