

If only Arsenal’s opponents in the Premier League could play quite so recklessly as PSV did here, there might still be a title race. Domestic football has been a source of misery for Arsenal in recent weeks but here, in the Champions League round of 16, their players were able to enjoy the fun stuff again.
Of all Arteta’s players, few seemed to enjoy the occasion more than Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old had a lovely time on the big stage, scoring one goal and creating another on the night he became the second-youngest Arsenal player to appear in the Champions League knock-out rounds, after Cesc Fàbregas.
Nwaneri ended a cathartic night for Arsenal as one of six goalscorers of seven goals, alongside Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard (twice), Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori. It was a scoreline that effectively reduced next week’s second leg to an exhibition match.