Arsenal: Raya, White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Rice, Zinchenko, Sterling, Tierney, Merino
Subs: Neto, Setford, Saliba, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Timber, Trossard, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Nwaneri
Arsenal cruised their way into the Champions League quarter-finals after drawing 2-2 with PSV at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday (9-3 on aggregate), thanks to goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the side that drew against Manchester United on Sunday, with Ben White making his first start since November and Zinchenko also coming into the side.
Gabriel Martinelli was forced to settle for a place on the bench despite making his injury comeback at Old Trafford.
It was the perfect start for Arsenal who continued the game where they left off in Eindhoven and found themselves ahead after six minutes, when Zinchenko picked up the ball from Raheem Sterling and curled into the corner from distance. 1-0.
Things were already being played at pre-season pace and you could see the hosts were happy to surrender possession, although a mistake from Jakub Kiwior almost allowed Johan Bakayoko to equalise, before Ivan Perisic found the top corner after Arsenal were caught out defensively from a goal kick. 1-1.
PSV almost doubled their tally minutes later when Couhaib Driouech ran beyond Ben White and curled an effort towards the far corner, with only a smart fingertip save from David Raya ensuring it didn’t get there.
Approaching the half hour mark, the Gunners looked settled again and nearly re-took the lead when Declan Rice found Mikel Merino, whose clever flick played Myles Lewis-Skelly through on goal but his stabbed effort hit the post after a touch from the goalkeeper.
Arteta’s men did eventually get their second when Raheem Sterling showed a great turn of pace to get beyond two PSV defenders and send in a teasing cross, which was headed home emphatically by Rice making a late run into the box. 2-1.
There was a nice moment for Sterling during the celebrations, who was mobbed by his teammates after registering his second assist of the match.
Moments later, Gabriel was called into action up the other end after Driouech ran beyond White again, pulling off one of his trademark blocks and celebrations as the ball bobbled out for a throw.
Just before the break, there was a great chance for Sterling to make it three after he was played through by Zinchenko with the whole PSV half to run into, but his dinked finish was well saved by Walter Benitez.
It was a simple enough half for Arsenal who played most of that first period in second gear but still managed to score two good goals.
Ten minutes into the second half, Isaac Babbadi advanced into the Gunners penalty area and curled an effort towards goal but Raya was equal to his effort, tipping wide once again.
Shortly after the hour mark, Arteta made his first changes of the game with Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard replacing Rice and Merino. The switch moved Lewis-Skelly into midfield for the first time this season.
Calafiori almost made an instant impact after combining beautifully with Lewis-Skelly but fired straight at the goalkeeper when through on goal.
The hosts did find themselves pegged back again, however, after Jorginho gave the ball away carelessly in midfield which allowed Driouech through on goal and equalise after lobbing Raya beautifully. 2-2.
Arteta made another batch of changes with the game lacking intensity again, giving Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Martinelli some minutes to stretch their legs with White, Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney all making way.
Nothing else happened in the remaining 15 minutes with both sides almost agreeing to shake hands there, with PSV avoiding further embarrassment and Arsenal finishing most of the game in second gear.
The Gunners will be without Sterling for their quarter-final first leg after he was booked in injury time for a late challenge on Bakayoko.
Job done and a trip to Madrid awaits, although at time of writing we’re yet to find out whether it’s Real or Atletico (who have gone to extra time in their game).