English media observed that Arsenal had little trouble against PSV in the Champions League Round of 16. After the humiliation in Eindhoven, a home draw was enough for the Gunners to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the billion-dollar competition. There, Real Madrid awaits, and anticipation is already building.
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Arsenal and PSV played out a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, a result that comfortably secured the Gunners’ passage to the quarter-finals with a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory.
While the scoreline on the night suggested a more balanced contest, the reality was that Arsenal had already done the heavy lifting in the first leg with a ruthless performance in Eindhoven. This allowed them to navigate the return leg at the Emirates Stadium with a sense of control, never truly being threatened by the Dutch side.
"The Gunners enjoy a serene passage to the quarter-finals," headlined the Daily Mail, emphasizing the ease with which Arsenal progressed. The English media widely acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s team was never in real danger, despite PSV managing to score twice in North London. Arsenal’s approach was measured, ensuring that the tie was never in doubt, even if the performance lacked the same intensity that had seen them dismantle their Dutch opponents a few weeks prior.
With qualification secured, Arsenal wasted no time in looking ahead to their next challenge a monumental clash with defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. The upcoming tie represents a significant step up in quality, with the Spanish giants boasting an unrivaled pedigree in the competition. Rather than reflecting too much on their encounter with PSV, Arteta and his squad quickly turned their focus to preparing for a team that has made winning the Champions League almost second nature.
The BBC acknowledged that Arsenal would need to raise their level considerably when they face Madrid. "Arsenal will need to find their top speed again against the Spanish giant after effortlessly brushing aside the Dutch opponent." The Gunners may have looked comfortable against PSV, but Real Madrid represents an entirely different challenge. Arsenal’s technical ability and tactical organization have been praised throughout the season, yet their ability to handle the high-pressure knockout stages against a club of Madrid’s stature remains a test they have yet to pass under Arteta.
Despite the 2-2 draw, there was a sense of mild disappointment among some observers. The public broadcaster was almost underwhelmed by the outcome, as many had anticipated Arsenal might go on to break records. "Hopes were high that Arsenal would challenge Bayern Munich's record, but that expectation was not met." In the 2008/09 season, the German side had humiliated Sporting Lisbon 12-1 over two legs, setting the benchmark for the most one-sided Round of 16 tie in Champions League history. Arsenal and PSV settled for a "mere" 9-3 aggregate score, which, while still an emphatic result, fell short of the historic mark.
One of the most curious aspects of the match was the lineup chosen by Arteta, which did not go unnoticed by the media. The Sun pointed out that Arsenal’s manager made significant changes to his squad and appeared to favor a particular type of player. "Heavily rotated Arsenal reach last eight despite playing with SIX left-backs," their striking headline read. While the claim might seem exaggerated, there was some truth to it. Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, Jurriën Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori have all played as left-backs for Arteta’s squad at different points, and all of them featured in some capacity against PSV.
Arsenal’s ability to comfortably rotate players in such a high-stakes game demonstrated the depth Arteta has at his disposal. While some may argue that he was experimenting, the reality is that his squad management reflected the confidence he had in securing passage to the next round. With the focus now firmly on Real Madrid, Arsenal knows that every tactical decision will be scrutinized even further. The Spanish side, with their wealth of experience, will punish any lapse in concentration, meaning that the North London club must be at their very best.
The quarter-final clash will serve as a true measure of Arsenal’s progress under Arteta. While they have established themselves as a force in English football once again, proving their credentials on the European stage remains the next step. Their encounters with Madrid will be a defining moment in their campaign, and how they approach and execute their performances over the two legs will be critical. The draw against PSV was enough to secure progression, but against Real Madrid, they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.
Updated: 11:39, 13 Mar 2025
