PSV never really got going against Arsenal at their North London headquarters, and Ruud van Nistelrooy would have been relieved to see the Gunners win by just one goal.
Granit Xhaka’s first-ever right-footed goal for the club separated the two sides in the 70th minute of the match, meaning that PSV can only win Group A if they win their final two games against Arsenal and Bodo/Glimt while also hoping Mikel Arteta’s side slips up at home to FC Zurich on the final matchday.
PSV’s away day woes continued into the Eredivisie with a 4-2 loss to Groningen at the weekend, but their formula for success at the Philips Stadion has seen the hosts win five and draw one of their previous six matches in front of their own fans in all competitions.
The Boeren have also scored in each of their last 10 Europa League matches at their headquarters, although they will need to improve on their paltry tally of just four shots at the Emirates – their lowest in a continental game since 2016.
Arsenal’s inability to end games when they are a goal up is nothing new, and that lack of ruthlessness cost the Gunners dearly during their trip to Southampton, where Southampton limited Arteta’s men to just one strike before hitting back to secure a well-earned stalemate.
Xhaka followed up his goal against PSV with another devastating volley into the roof of the net – this time with his right foot – but a tired Arsenal side was undone by a Stuart Armstrong equaliser in the second half, reducing their lead at the top to two points.
After struggling to show their supremacy in 1-0 victory against Bodo/Glimt and Leeds United, that result was almost inevitable for Arsenal, who can relax knowing they are already certain to place in the top two of Group A and only need to tie the Netherlands to finish first.
The 1-1 draw at St Mary’s extended Arsenal’s unbeaten record in all categories to nine games, and the North London giants have made the net ripple in each of their previous 16 Europa League away from home, but trepidation may be seeping in as the unforgiving fixture calendar rears its ugly head.
Betting odds
The odds in this game are as close as they can get.
The Gunners are still slightly the favourites with their odds at 2.49, but PSV are so close to them with 2.92.
It seams like a draw is the least likely of result with its odds standing at 3.88.
Odds usually convey the narrative of a match before it starts, the odds of this one suggest that the contest will be a tight one!
Arsenal or PSV, who would win…
It could be anyone’s guess!
