Arsenal vs PSV LIVE: Europa League result, final score and reaction as Xhaka strike gives Gunners the win

Arsenal continued their perfect form in Europe this season while extending their winning run to eight matches in all competitions as Granit Xhaka struck the winner in a 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League.

The hosts dominated the first half but could not test Walter Benitez in the PSV goal, with the sides locked at 0-0 at the interval. Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock with 20 minutes to go, Xhaka finishing with aplomb from just inside the PSV box, with the midfielder’s goal securing Arsenal’s place in the knockout stages.

And the result moves Arsenal five points clear of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV in Group A, ahead of their return match against the Dutch side next Thursday where they can secure top spot with at least a draw. Before then, Mikel Arteta’s side will visit Southampton in the Premier League.

Arsenal vs PSV

• FT ARS 1-0 PSV - Granit Xhaka strike gives Arsenal crucial victory to keep them top of Group A

• GOAL! 70’ - Granit Xhaka turns the ball home from a Takehiro Tomiyasu cross to put Arsenal in front (ARS 1-0 PSV)

• HT ARS 0-0 PSV: Goalless at the Emirates as the teams head into the break

Arsenal FC 1 - 0 PSV Eindhoven

FT Arsenal 1-0 PSV

20:01 , Michael Jones

Granit Xhaka has scored as many goals this season (3) as in his previous three seasons combined. Tonight’s goal was the first of his 17 for Arsenal not to be scored with his left foot.

FT Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:56 , Michael Jones

Full-time: Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:52 , Michael Jones

90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle!

In a tough contest against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Dutch side, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners did what they needed to do and picked up all three points to qualify for the next round of the Europa League and remain top of Group A with two games remaining.

Granit Xhaka’s strike from inside the box was the difference between the sides but Arsenal looked comfortable throughout and they maintain their winning momentum.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:47 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play in north London. Can Arsenal close out this game or will PSV rescue a point?

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:45 , Michael Jones

88 mins: A long throw down the wing from Kieran Tierney almost gets Eddie Nketiah in behind but the forward’s first touch isn’t the best and he only manages to knock the ball behind for a goal kick.

PSV then try to kick start a counter-attack but Tierney and Odegaard make fouls in the middle of the pitch to stop it in its tracks.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:42 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Bukayo Saka sprints into the box from the right and blasts an effort at goal that gets turned behind by Walter Benitez. It’s also his last act of the night as Reiss Nelson comes on for the final few minutes of the game.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:39 , Michael Jones

82 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and Arsenal have control of the game. As it stands they are going to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League and move five points clear at the top of Group A.

The Gunners will need to avoid defeat against PSV next week to ensure they win the group.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:36 , Michael Jones

79 mins: The pace and quality of Arsenal’s play has gone up a level since Odegaard and Partey came on. They made an immediate impact which led to the opening goal.

Martinelli attempts to get in on the act with a driving run to the byline before crossing the ball over to Ben White. The defender looks to hit one on the volley but gets it all wrong and totally misses the ball with his effort.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:33 , Michael Jones

76 mins: Just under 15 minutes to play at the Emirates stadium and it’s another double change for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are taken off with Gabriel Martinelli and Ben White introduced.

Bukayo Saka has been stretching out his hamstring on the right side of the pitch but he’ll play on for now.

Arsenal 1-0 PSV

19:32 , Michael Jones

73 mins: Chance! Arsenal search for a quick second as Bukayo Saka makes a slippery run along the front edge of the box before fizzing a shot straight at Walter Benitez who manages to keep it out.

The England winger immediately grabs his hamstring after that run though and may have a problem.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 PSV (Xhaka, 70’)⚽️

19:27 , Michael Jones

70 mins: There it is!

Thomas Partey starts the move bringing the ball through midfield before sending it over to Martin Odegaard. He feeds it over to Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right wing who chips a pass into the box.

Granit Xhaka holds his ground and lets the ball bounce before turning it into the back of the net on the swivel. Fine finish from the midfielder and Arsenal take the lead!

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:25 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Close! Eddie Nketiah receives the ball on the inside left channel and he drives up to the box, shifts inside onto his right foot and whips an effort just over the top right-hand corner! That was a close one.

Mikel Arteta makes a double substitution with just over 20 minutes to play. Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey are on in place of Fabio Vieira and Sambi Lokonga.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:23 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Bukayo Saka swings another corner over to the far side of the box and picks out Gabriel Jesus. He’s under pressure from a defender but still gets a head to the ball and nods it over the crossbar.

This has been a testing night for Arsenal. Do they have to quality to break down this resolute PSV defence?

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:19 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Save! That was the chance for Arsenal.

They work it superbly through the middle of the pitch before Jesus performs a couple of step-overs and runs in between the two centre-backs. He pokes his effort at the target but Benitez leaps to his right and pushes the ball away.

It comes out to Nketiah and he decides to shoot first time but he hooks it high and wide.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:17 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Another set piece for the Gunners is taken by Fabio Vieira from the opposite wing but he hits Xavi Simons and the opportunity to get the ball into the box goes begging.

Will Mikel Arteta be thinking of making some changes now? An hour played already.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:14 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Fantastic footwork from Jesus sees the forward weave his way up the pitch before he’s eventually brought down by Erick Gutierrez.

The free kick is about 26/27 yards out from goal with Xhaka and Vieira stood over the dead ball. Xhaka is given the chance to shoot and smokes his effort into the wall before hooking the rebound wide of the target as well.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:11 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Chance! Brilliant run from Mwene who fizzes down the right wing and is fed the ball from a central position. He smokes a quick cross into the box where the ball drops for Simons but he can’t get control of his shot and boots it high and wide.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:10 , Michael Jones

51 mins: PSV aren’t really threatening the Gunners and the onus is on the home side to make something happen. Everything is a little flat at the minute.

Scrap that. Saka is given the ball on the edge of the box and spins off a tackle before sliding in Jesus. He arrives from the right, shifts inside of a tackle then hits a low effort at goal that Benitez drops on top of to keep it out.

Better from Arsenal!

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:06 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Armando Obispo attempts to push PSV forward by bringing the ball into the middle of the park but he’s closed down by Gabriel Jesus who comes away with the ball and is immediately brought down by the defender who stops Arsenal from developing a counter-attack.

Second half: Arsenal 0-0 PSV

19:03 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Arsenal get the ball rolling again for the second half with Mikel Arteta sticking with the same personnel that finished the first half.

No changes made from PSV boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy either.

HT Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:57 , Michael Jones

PSV have won just one of their last 11 away matches against English sides (drew four, lost six), beating Tottenham in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup in 2007-08, with Jefferson Farfan scoring the game’s only goal.

They were the second best team in the first half but can they find their attacking feet in the second 45 minutes?

HT Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:52 , Michael Jones

Can Arsenal break the deadlock in the second half?

Half-time: Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:47 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: Nothing to separate the two teams as half-time arrives. PSV had defended well but the Gunners have lacked a bit of rhythm and verve.

On a couple of occasions they’ve created decent chances and Bukayo Saka has looked lively but they need to move the ball quicker to really get at PSV.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:42 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Close! Fabio Vieira curls his left-footed effort around the PSV wall but there’s not enough swerve on the shot to sneak it in at the near post and the ball hits the side-netting. Walter Benitez seemed to have it covered as well in PSV’s goal.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:41 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Chance! Bukayo Saka cuts inside from the right and shifts away from three defenders on his way into the box. He lays the ball to Eddie Nketiah who darts on into the six-yard area and wins a corner when the defender sends it out of play.

The corner comes to Granit Xhaka outside the atra but he’s brought down and Arsenal win a free kick. Big chance coming up for Fabio Vieira here.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:37 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Close! A corner from Bukayo Saka is whipped into the area where Gabriel and Sangare both leap to win the ball but it bounces off the shoulder of the Arsenal defender and looks to be heading out of play.

Jesus is alert near the back post and throw himself towards the loose ball but can’t get a head to it before it flies past and rolls out of play.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:34 , Michael Jones

33 mins: PSV are finding it difficult to get any control in midfield with Gakpo and Simons having seen very little of the ball. It’s confident play from the Gunners but Mikel Arteta will want to get the opening goal sooner rather than later.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:31 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Jesus and Xhaka are waiting in the middle of the PSV box as Tomiyasu is given the ball on the right side. He scuffs his cross and Joey Veerman gets back in time to clear the ball.

15 minutes to go in the first half and Arsenal look comfortable. Saka tricks his way in between two defenders but can’t pick out Fabio Vieira in the six-yard box.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:27 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Close! Xavi Simons receives the ball in the middle of the pitch before rolling away from a defender and driving towards the ‘D’.

He’s about to get closed down so has a shy and lifts his strike over the crossbar without troubling Matt Turner in Arsenal’s goal.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:26 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Ibrahim Sangare slides a pass through the lines but he overhits it and Guus Til can’t chase down the ball before Arsenal deal with it.

The visitors are growing more confident in the game now. They’ve weathered Arsenal early dominance.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:21 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Chance! Nketiah and Tierney work the ball nicely between them on the left side of the pitch and look to be searching for a way down the wing before sending it inside to Gabriel Jesus.

He spins towards goal and hits a snapshot from outside the box, narrowly missing out as the effort flies wide of the nearest post.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:18 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Phillips Mwene finds a bit of space to the right of Arsenal’s penalty area and runs into it before delivering PSV’s first cross into the Arsenal box. Rob Holding leaps ahead of Guus Til and heads the ball clear.

The Gunners then work their way to the other side of the pitch with some quick passing before Albert Sambi Lokonga lets fly from 25-yeards out and fails to find the target.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:16 , Michael Jones

15 mins: PSV haven’t gotten themselves into the game just yet but they’re having a decent period of possession here. It’s mainly being knocked around at the back before a threaded pass comes to Xavi Simons.

He storms through the middle of the pitch before feeding an aerial pass over to Cody Gakpo on the left. Gakpo looks to take on Tomiyasu but decides against it and sends the ball backwards.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:13 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Chance! Arsenal display a bit of urgency with Takehiro Tomiyasu dinking the ball over the top for Saka. Saka’s cross finds Nketiah but he can only turn it over to the arriving Tierney who belts an effort high over the crossbar!

The Gunners come again with Jesus played into the box. He’s got his back to goal though and decides to lay it off to Granit Xhaka who drills a low effort from the front edge of the box and pulls the shot wide of the far post.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:10 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Gabriel Jesus drops a bit deeper to collect the ball then weaves away from the PSV players who drop away from him to get back into tight lines ready to defend.

Jesus switches the ball out to Bukayo Saka on the right side but the ball takes an awkward bounce and he can’t keep it in play.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:07 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Arsenal patiently work their way up the pitch with Gabriel sending the ball wide to Nketiah.

Kieran Tierney makes a run inside off the ball to draw away some defenders but Nketiah drives to the byline and runs the ball out of play before he can get in a cross.

It’s a tentative start from both teams with Arsenal dominating possession.

Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:03 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Nice run from Eddie Nketiah who bombs it down the inside left channel and the ball is played down the line. He’s racing Andre Ramalho and the PSV defender has to slide towards the ball to knock it out of play before the Arsenal striker arrives.

Throw in to the Gunners.

Kick off: Arsenal 0-0 PSV

18:01 , Michael Jones

The visitors get the match underway at the Emirates stadium and boot the ball long. It’s won by Kieran Tierney who knocks the ball along the back line before Arsenal send it long down the right wing where Bukayo Saka chase a lost cause and sees the ball cross the byline for a goal kick.

Arsenal vs PSV

17:58 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams!

Granit Xhaka captains the Gunners tonight in the absence of Martin Odegaard. Arsenal will want to sow up qualification for the knockouts tonight and will almost certainly top Group A with a win.

PSV’s Cody Gakpo will also come under the spotlight after being earmarked for a move to the Premier League last summer. What can he bring to the party tonight?

A landmark for Tierney

17:52 , Michael Jones

Kieran Tierney makes his 100th appearance for Arsenal this evening. Will he be celebrating with a win later on?

Arsenal vs PSV

17:48 , Michael Jones

Warm-ups done and just over 10 minutes to go until kick off. Will Arsenal collect another Europa League victory tonight?

Martin Odegaard pinpoints key to Arsenal’s superb start to the season

17:43 , Michael Jones

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has hailed the club’s “winning mentality” after they continued their fine start to the season with a narrow Europa League victory at Bodo/Glimt.

Bukayo Saka’s fortuitous first-half goal was enough to seal a 1-0 win in the Arctic Circle as the Gunners made it 11 victories from 12 games.

Odegaard started in his native Norway as boss Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack with one eye on Sunday’s tricky trip to Leeds.

With the World Cup truncating the club calendar, Arsenal have so far managed their squad well with only a 3-1 loss at Manchester United blotting their copy book.

Odegaard believes the mindset within the squad is behind the recent run and, despite sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, he insists no one is taking anything for granted.

Martin Odegaard pinpoints key to Arsenal’s superb start to the season

Van Nistelrooy on Arsenal

17:37 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy says that Arsenal have had an amazing start to the season and sees tonight’s game as an opportunity foe his team to test themselves against the Premier League leaders.

"They’ve had a great start. Ten games in the season, with nine wins, it’s an amazing start from them, the way they are playing.” said the PSV boss,

"[Mikel] Arteta is developing his team with his style of play and he has done well with a young side - it’s a very promising team that’s a joy to watch.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to come here and test ourselves."

Can Arsenal win four in a row?

17:32 , Michael Jones

Arsenal have won each of their first three group-stage games in all five of their appearances in the Europa League. However, only in 2020/21 have they won four in a row, but on that occasion they went on to win all six.

Arsenal vs PSV

17:26 , Michael Jones

The Gunners have arrived at the Emirates stadium. Kick off for this Europa League tie is set for 6pm with the players getting ready to head out onto the pitch for the warm-ups.

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to wrap up Europa League progress to ‘skip two matches’

17:21 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal players to make short work of their Europa League group and earn some time off as they prepare to host PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.

Arsenal have won their opening three Group A fixtures and a victory over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Eredivisie outfit will see them qualify for the knockout stages and put them on the cusp of topping the group.

Winning the group is rewarded with a bye for the round of 32, something which could prove even more vital in a season where a winter World Cup has truncated the calendar.

Arteta has rotated in the Europa League this year but not to the extent many expected, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba all starting last week’s win away at Bodo/Glimt.

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to wrap up Europa League progress to ‘skip two matches’

Arteta on facing PSV

17:15 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta spoke about what he is expecting from Arsenal’s opponents when PSV Eindhoven arrive at the Emirates stadium tonight.

“I think it’s a really good team.” he said, “I think what Ruud [van Nistelrooy] has done with his team, the way they play, you just see the amount of goals they are scoring in their domestic league, the way they are performing in the Europa League as well, they are a really dangerous team.”

Van Nistelrooy vs Arsenal

17:10 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals in 12 games against Arsenal for Manchester United which was his lowest goals/game rate (0.2) against a side he faced more than five times for the Red Devils.

Can PSV win in England?

17:05 , Michael Jones

PSV have won just one of their last 11 away matches against English sides, with four draws and six defeats, beating Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup in 2007/08.

The Dutch side also beat Zurich 5-1 in their last Europa League away game – they haven’t won consecutively on the road in the competition since October 2013.

‘It gets heated’: Mikel Arteta responds to Jurgen Klopp touchline antics

17:00 , Michael Jones

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits his touchline behaviour can sometimes make for difficult viewing – and accepts all managers have a huge responsibility to try to keep their emotions under control.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been charged with improper behaviour by the Football Association following his sending off during the 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

Klopp was shown a red card for his angry reaction towards referee Anthony Taylor and one of his assistants after Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was not awarded a foul following a challenge by Bernardo Silva.

‘It gets heated’: Mikel Arteta responds to Jurgen Klopp touchline antics

Van Nistelrooy backing Gakpo

16:54 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed attacker Cody Gakpo to cause Arsenal some trouble tonight after his blistering start to the season.

"His quality and form over the last three or four months has been exceptional.” said the PSV boss, “His stats and goals draw the attention of big clubs in European football.

“He is 23 and is focusing on his career with us at club level and having a great World Cup. He wants to continue that."

Arsenal team changes

16:49 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta makes four changes to the Arsenal team that started against Bodo/Glimt in their last Europa League outing. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel come into the back line to replace Ben White and William Saliba.

Martin Odegaard sits out with Granit Xhaka brought in and Gabriel Jesus earns a first Europa League start for Arsenal replacing Reiss Nelson.

Arsenal vs PSV line-ups

16:41 , Michael Jones

Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka, Vieira; Saka, Jesus, Nketiah

PSV XI: Benitez, Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max, Gutierrez, Sangare, Simons, Veerman, Gakpo, Til

‘I expect a warm welcome’

16:36 , Michael Jones

As part of the pre-match build-up Ruud van Nistelrooy joked that he is expecting a ‘warm welcome’ from Arsenal fans when he brings his team, PSV Eindhoven, tonight.

Van Nistelrooy famously missed a last-minute penalty for Manchester United against Arsenal during the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003/04, with the match finishing 0-0.

"I expect a warm welcome," he said, "I kept them invincible because of my miss.

"It’s 20 years ago now. It doesn’t define me but coming back to England and to Arsenal, memories come back of my time there and those two infamous games are part of it."

Van Nistelrooy ready to face Arsenal again

16:31 , Michael Jones

PSV Eindhoven coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is readying to face Arsenal again following his time as a striker for Manchester United where he made 150 appearances between 2001-2006.

Arsenal’s opponents tonight

16:25 , Michael Jones

PSV Eindhoven are one of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs, and have won 24 league titles as well as both the European Cup in 1987/88 and the Uefa Cup in 1977/78.

They have appeared in Europe in every season since 1975/76, meaning this will be their 49th straight campaign doing so.

Last season saw them finish second-place in the Eredivisie, behind Ajax, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League where they fell to Leicester City.

They did win the Dutch Cup though and came from behind to beat Ajax 2-1.

Arteta hoping to top Group A

16:20 , Michael Jones

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, says that his team must take the opportunity to finish top of their Europa League group and avoid a playoff match to reach latter stages of the tournamen in February.

"When you have a chance to take advantage you have to do it," said Arteta."You don’t know what happens in the next game. It will be a really tough match.

"Where we want to be is at the top and the best team in this country.

"In order to do that you will meet teams that want to beat you and build that rivalry to a different level. We are already experiencing things like that."

Arsenal’s hectic schedule good preparation for after World Cup

16:14 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta believes the way his Arsenal side are dealing with an intense fixture schedule will hold them in good stead for after the World Cup.

The Gunners travel to Leeds on Sunday, fresh from a 1-0 Europa League win at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

That journey to Elland Road via the Arctic Circle is the latest of two fixtures in three days for a side that currently sit top of the Premier League, having won 11 of 12 games in all competitions.

The first-ever winter World Cup will halt any progress Arsenal make between now and mid-November, with fixture lists truncated after the finals to ensure the season still finishes in good time.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s hectic schedule good preparation for after World Cup

Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven

16:07 , Michael Jones

This fixutre was originally due to be played on Thursday 15th September but had to be postponed due to ‘the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

Arsenal’s Premier League match against Manchester City was also scheduled for last night but has moved to accommodate a free week for the Gunners to complete this Europa League tie.

PSV travel to the Emirates stadium tonight before hosting Mikel Arteta’s side next week as well. These two games will decide which of these teams will finish at the top of Group A.

Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven early team news and predicted line-ups

16:00 , Michael Jones

For Arsenal it is a similar story on the injury front with Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko all expected not to feature and Gabriel Martinelli is a doubt though will have late fitness test to see if he can play.

PSV, meanwhile, are injury stricken with a multitude of stars out of action for the fixture. Yorbe Vertessen, Ismael Saibari, Noni Madueke, Olivier Boscagli, Marco van Ginkel, Luuk de Jong and Mauro Junior are all unavailable for the match.

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Turner; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Vieira, Martinelli; Nketiah

PSV: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Sangare, Gutierrez; Simons, Veerman, Gakpo; Til

Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven

14:20 , Michael Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s rearranged Europa League fixture between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven.

The Gunners are unbeaten in Europe’s second competition this season with three wins from their three matches so far but they face their biggest test against the Dutch side tonight. PSV Eindhoven are second in Group A - two points behind Arsenal - but will move to the top of the group if they defeat the Gunners.

Whichever team manages to top their qualifying group will be automatically entered into the round of 16 with the second placed sides having to win a playoff game against the demoted Champions League teams to progress so finishing top is crucial. Arsenal will go five points clear with a win this evening and would need just one point from the return fixture against PSV next week to clinch the group.