Arsenal fell to their first defeat in the Europa League group stage as goals from Joey Veerman and Luuk de Jong denied them a chance to book a spot in the last 16.
After a tight first half finished goalless with two goals cancelled for PSV, Arsenal still lost the game 2-0 to their Dutch counterparts.
But PSV looked the more likely to top the group – having qualified for the knockout rounds themselves courtesy of Zurich’s late win against Bodo/Glimt – and could have been out of sight in the first half, too, although their two goals were correctly ruled out for offside.
The first was a fine finish from Cody Gakpo, but the flag was up. Then, right before half-time, the lively Xavi Simons beat three Arsenal defenders before slotting home, only for former Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi to be penalised by VAR for being offside in the build-up.
Ruud van Nistelrooy introduced 32-year-old striker De Jong at the break in what proved to be an inspired decision. He set up Joey Veerman for PSV’s opener, holding off Rob Holding with little effort before squaring the ball for the midfielder. Veerman then slotted home as the Dutch side finally saw a goal stand.
De Jong then scored himself. Gakpo delivered a corner, with Aaron Ramsdale – making his European debut in place of the injured Matt Turner – fumbling his attempt to punch the ball away, allowing the PSV striker to head home.
The result now means that the Gunners must beat FC Zurich at home next week to guarantee the top spot in the group and skip February’s play-off round.
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