Arsenal is warned after PSV's brilliant victory over Juventus
Arsenal must be cautious not to underestimate PSV, who reached the Round of 16 thanks to a brilliant victory over Italian giants Juventus. Arsenal has been warned.
The club will also be relieved to avoid a frosty reunion with Robin van Persie, who is set to return to Feyenoord, wrote The Independent, emphasizing that while Arsenal might be seen as the favorites, they should not overlook the reigning Eredivisie champions, who have already shown their ability to compete against top European teams. PSV’s impressive performance against Juventus has raised expectations, proving that the Dutch side can be dangerous, particularly in knockout rounds. Their tactical discipline, counter-attacking threat, and well-organized defense were key in overcoming the Italian giants, and Arsenal will need to prepare carefully if they want to avoid a similar fate. With a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, PSV has developed into a formidable opponent under their current management, making them a real threat to Arsenal’s ambitions in the competition.
The Daily Mail also appears less than enthusiastic about Arsenal's Champions League draw. The newspaper suggests that Arsenal has drawn the tougher of the two possible Dutch opponents, arguing that the London club would have preferred Feyenoord as their opponent instead of PSV. The reason behind this reasoning lies in the recent struggles of Feyenoord on the European stage compared to PSV’s strong performances this season. While both clubs are among the best in the Netherlands, PSV’s ability to eliminate a club of Juventus' stature suggests that they are a stronger, more battle-tested team in Europe this season.
On the other hand, The Guardian sees Arsenal’s draw as the best possible outcome among the three remaining English clubs in the Champions League. The publication describes a nightmare draw for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who will face Paris Saint-Germain—one of the most feared attacking teams in the competition, led by Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, who remain a dark horse in European competition, have been drawn against Club Brugge, a team that has already made headlines by convincingly eliminating Atalanta, one of Italy’s most dangerous sides. With Arsenal avoiding an immediate clash with a European powerhouse, The Guardian suggests that The Gunners have been handed a favorable tie that should, at least on paper, give them a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals. However, as many have pointed out, underestimating PSV could be a fatal mistake.
Liverpool has not been lucky with Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal will be happy with a seemingly favorable opponent on paper, wrote The Guardian. This analysis highlights how the luck of the draw has placed Liverpool in an extremely tough position, whereas Arsenal has an opportunity to advance, provided they approach the tie with the right mindset and tactical discipline. Meanwhile, The Evening Standard notes that Arsenal has landed on the tougher side of the Champions League bracket. The paper is already looking ahead to a potential semifinal clash between Liverpool and Arsenal, assuming both clubs can navigate their respective challenges. While this scenario remains hypothetical, it has sparked excitement among Premier League fans, who could witness an all-English showdown in the latter stages of the competition.
The publication also found it disappointing that Robin van Persie will not be making a return to the Emirates Stadium. The former Arsenal legend, who later became a controversial figure after joining Manchester United, is now linked with a return to Feyenoord, where he began his professional career. A match between Arsenal and Feyenoord would have created an intriguing subplot, as Van Persie’s history with Arsenal still evokes strong emotions among the club’s fanbase.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also responded to the Champions League draw for the first time, addressing the matchup during his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against West Ham United. With the media eager to get his thoughts on the upcoming European challenge, Arteta remained composed and diplomatic, emphasizing the importance of preparation and respecting every opponent at this stage of the tournament. We have played against them before, so we know their team well. We are aware that they are a very strong side and that it will be a tough match. But that applies to every opponent at this stage of the tournament, said Arteta. His comments suggest that while Arsenal acknowledges their slight favoritism, they are not taking the challenge lightly.
Arteta’s familiarity with PSV stems from previous encounters in European competitions, where the Dutch side has shown resilience and tactical discipline. Arsenal has faced mixed results against Dutch clubs in the past, and Arteta will be well aware that playing in Eindhoven will be no easy task. The atmosphere at the Philips Stadion, combined with PSV’s aggressive, high-intensity approach, will pose a unique challenge that Arsenal must be prepared to overcome.
As Arsenal prepares for this pivotal Champions League fixture, much will depend on their form leading up to the tie. With key players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice in strong form, The Gunners have the firepower and creativity to break down PSV’s defensive setup. However, their ability to control the tempo, remain composed under pressure, and capitalize on their scoring opportunities will be key in determining their success in this knockout stage.
On the other side, PSV will look to exploit Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in transition. The Dutch club has shown that they can punish teams that lose possession in dangerous areas, meaning Arteta’s side will need to be particularly careful with their build-up play. While Arsenal enters the tie as slight favorites, the unpredictability of Champions League football means anything can happen. The two-legged nature of the fixture allows for momentum swings, and PSV has already proven that they can upset a European giant.
With Premier League ambitions, domestic cup responsibilities, and now a crucial Champions League tie to focus on, Arsenal faces a defining period in their season. Arteta’s tactical approach, squad rotation, and ability to keep his team motivated will be crucial in determining whether The Gunners can advance further in Europe or whether they will fall victim to the very warning that many English pundits have raised underestimating PSV at their own peril.
