Arsenal Shatters Records with Historic 7-1 Win Over PSV Eindhoven

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Arsenal Football Club achieved a historical milestone on March 5, 2025, with a stunning 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. This marks Arsenal’s biggest-ever away win in the competition and the first time they have scored seven goals in a single match under manager Mikel Arteta.

Entering the match with four key attackers sidelined due to injury, including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s recent struggles with scoring made the high-scoring forecast seem unlikely. However, Arteta’s squad delivered a commanding performance that astonished fans and opponents alike.

“That’s the beauty of football,” Arteta said during the post-match press conference, highlighting the unexpected nature of the game. Defender Jurrien Timber opened the scoring, and the remaining goals came from six different players, showcasing Arsenal’s collective offensive effort.

Timber’s goal set the tone early, but it was the youthful combination of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri that ignited the scoring frenzy. Lewis-Skelly’s setup for Nwaneri was particularly noteworthy, marking the first time two English teenagers have combined for a goal in the Champions League.

“When you get to this stage, you have to really play and love the game,” Arteta emphasized the importance of team involvement. “There were a few players today who were ready to take the initiative.”

The team’s attacking intent was evident from the kickoff, with Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice creating early chances, including Rice’s effort that was ruled offside. Their aggressive play culminated in a well-constructed attack leading to Arsenal’s second goal.

PSV, who had already conceded 29 goals this season, struggled defensively throughout the match. Arsenal seized the opportunity, scoring two quick goals within minutes of the second half to assert their dominance.

Captain Martin Ødegaard shone brightly with his two goals, while Riccardo Calafiori’s late strike capped off the scoreline. Despite the resounding win, Arteta remained cautious, stating, “It’s something that hasn’t been done, so great to be part of that. But as a team, we want to achieve many other things that are far more important.”

Reflecting on the team’s success, Arteta pointed out the necessity for consistency as they face upcoming challenges in the Premier League against Manchester United and Chelsea. “We need to keep pushing, keep improving, and make sure performances like this become the standard,” he urged his squad.

As the return leg approaches, with an advantageous six-goal cushion, Arsenal stands poised for the quarter-finals, but Arteta’s focus remains on execution and improvement ahead of the next match. “If it comes, it comes, and it’s great,” he remarked about Nwaneri’s remarkable journey as a rising star. “It’s about consistency and now doing it again three days later in another big stadium.”