Arsenal put the sword to a dismal PSV Eindhoven as Mikel Arteta’s side stormed to a 7-1 victory at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday night. The Gunners looked hungry to get the first goal from the off and Jurrien Timber’s header opened the floodgates, with Ethan Nwaneri scoring three minutes later. Mikel Merino slotted home a third, which was allowed to stand after a VAR check, before PSV got one back through Noa Lang’s penalty.

But the visitors came out after the break eager to put the game to bed and did so with two quick-fire goals, with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard taking advantage of some dreadful PSV defending to make it five. Odegaard’s second of the night ensured it would be their biggest-ever away win in the Champions League and Riccardo Calafiori added a crushing seventh late on, as the north London side celebrated a memorable night in the Netherlands. Express Sport analyses the Arsenal players after an incredible performance…

Arsenal player ratings vs PSV

David Raya 6

Didn’t have a single save to make in the first half, but did watch his crossbar get rattled by Saibari. The Spaniard chose not to dive when Lang stepped up to the spot, but he probably wouldn’t have saved it anyway.

Jurrien Timber 8

Looked fired up playing back in his native country and bagged only his second goal for the Gunners, as he got the leap on Noa Lang to power home a fine header at the far post. His goal released all nerves Arsenal may have felt and his display – the best he’s produced since joining the club – was exactly the kind Arteta wanted.

William Saliba 7

Several PSV players tried to outrun the Frenchman, but found his pace and strength too difficult to surpass. Another assured display from one of the best centre-backs around.

Gabriel Magalhaes 7

Marshalled Luuk de Jong like a presidential bodyguard, not giving him a moment to breathe up front. Kept his tackling clean and aerially dominant at the back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 6

Surged forward at will from left-back and got an assist, crossing for his fellow Hale End graduate Nwaneri to score. However, he went into the book for a tug of the shirt on De Jong and swiftly taken off by Arteta, who wasn’t taking any risks.

Thomas Partey 6

The Ghanaian made a wild decision to wrap his arm around De Jong’s neck and held on too long. At 3-0 up, it felt entirely unnecessary and the penalty gave PSV hope. Partey is playing for his future at Arsenal, but that’s certainly not the way to earn a new contract. Booked for the foul.

Declan Rice 8

Lofted a delightful cross to Timber at the far post to earn himself a superb assist. The Englishman went close with a couple of sweetly-struck efforts from long range and generally bossed the midfield against Schouten and Saibari.

Martin Odegaard 9 MOTM

Thought he should’ve had a penalty after a challenge from Tillman but the referee made the correct call. The captain was able to roam in between the lines without much restriction and enjoyed seeing so much of the ball. Slotted home on the rebound after Benitez couldn’t hold Nwaneri’s cross, before his long-range effort was palmed in by the error-strewn goalkeeper. Two goals and an assist caps a wonderful night for him.

Ethan Nwaneri 9

This 17-year-old is destined for the very top, there’s no doubt about that. Out of nowhere, he popped up in the six-yard box to thunder home. Later on, his dangerous cross was spilled allowing Odegaard to score. Nearly grabbed a second with a thunderous effort that Benitez kept out. He was a constant threat throughout and PSV couldn’t handle him. First it was Bukayo Saka, now Arsenal have another incredible talent on their books.

Mikel Merino 8

Didn’t look entirely comfortable playing so far forward as Arsenal’s makeshift No. 9. But then again, neither does any striker. The most important thing is putting the ball in the back net and Merino is very skilled at that, as shown with his cool finish to get the third for his side.

Leandro Trossard 8

The Belgian threaded through teasing balls into the channels for Rice and Lewis-Skelly, causing havoc down the left flank. Full of selfless running for the team too, and he got his deserved reward with a filthy chip over Benitez.

Substitutes

Riccardo Calafiori (on 35′) 8

Replaced the cautioned Lewis-Skelly in the first half and picked up where he left off, supplying Trossard with a fine pass for the fifth goal. Got a goal for himself late on with a neat finish to make it 7-1.

Raheem Sterling (on 72′) 6

The winger would’ve been desperate for a goal but barely got a sniff on the right.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (on 72′) 6

Nearly scored against his own club only for Benitez to deny him from a tight angle.

Kieran Tierney (on 77′) 6

The Scot didn’t have much to do at the back after coming on for a brief cameo.

Ben White (on 77′) 6

A much-needed runout for the defender on his return from injury.

Not used: Setford, Neto, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia.