Arsenal concluded their successful Champions League group-stage campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven.
While top spot in their group had already been secured, Arsenal remained determined to secure three more points in Eindhoven. Mikel Arteta selected a mixed starting lineup but reinforced the team with strong substitutions. However, the final touch was lacking from Arsenal’s play for most of the match.
PSV had an early opportunity to take the lead as Patrick van Aanholt was denied a close-range tap-in, and Ricardo Pepi’s follow-up was miraculously cleared by Gabriel. Vertessen hit the post with a header ten minutes later, and Johan Bakayoko’s attempt from range went wide, highlighting Arsenal’s lack of fluidity with their rotated squad.
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Arsenal’s first significant chance came just before the 30-minute mark when Mohamed Elneny’s low drive from outside the box struck the post and went wide.
As the first half progressed, Arsenal gradually found their rhythm, and Eddie Nketiah fired them ahead shortly before halftime. Receiving Reiss Nelson’s cut-back, Nketiah skillfully placed his strike into Walter Benitez’s bottom corner.
PSV quickly leveled the score after the break when Vertessen’s well-placed curled effort hit the post and found the back of Aaron Ramsdale’s net.
Ismael Saibari hit the post soon after, and Jakub Kiwior’s headed goal from a free-kick was disallowed due to offside, with Gabriel making his run too early.
Arsenal faced a late scare when Guus Til went charging towards goal, but the substitute failed to capitalize on the counter and drove wide of Ramsdale’s goal. The match ended with the spoils shared between the two teams.