ARSENAL 2-2 PSV (9-3 AGG): The Gunners officially clinched their place in the Champions League quarter-finals but it was a night that will raise questions about the quality of some of Mikel Arteta's fringe stars
Mikel Arteta couldn't hide his frustration following several Arsenal defensive blips
Mikel Arteta on the sideline during Arsenal's game with PSV
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On what proved to be an encouraging night for Arsenal's attack, concerns were also raised about Mikel Arteta's defence.
While William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were handed some much-needed rest, Gabriel Magalhaes kept his spot at the heart of the Gunners' backline, partnering Jakub Kiwior.
The Pole, a £20million acquisition from Spezia in January 2023, is naturally a left-sided central defender but he was tasked with operating from the right against PSV and on the basis of his first-half performance, it did not come without struggle.
In defence of Kiwior, he was harshly booked for the cleanest of tackles on ex-Spurs man Ivan Perisic but prior to the controversy, he struggled to get to grips with distributing the ball up the field.
Before PSV levelled things up through Perisic, Kiwior played a sloppy, blind pass across the face of Arsenal's goal and Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko came close to finding the target.
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Arteta turned away in horror and minutes later Ben White was caught up the pitch, Kiwior and Gabriel were pulled out of position and the Croatian veteran applied an impressive finish.
Opportunities have been hard to come by for Kiwior this season, displacing Saliba or Gabriel in the side would not be easy for any defender in world football, but you never quite know what you're going to get when he steps into the starting XI.
That is ultimately why his arrival has failed to pay dividends for Arteta and why Arsenal will have no problem moving him on in the summer should they receive a suitable fee. Kiwior is a good, honest pro but Arsenal need stronger cover for Saliba and Gabriel if they're to win the greatest prizes.
An injury to either of those would come as a hammer blow where their Champions League hopes are concerned as it would be hard to trust Kiwior in a game of such magnitude. His lack of pace is also an issue that is often exposed.
What was also apparent was the returning White looks rusty and short of fitness, understandably so given his long-awaited return has not been rushed following minor knee surgery in November.
Jakub Kiwior up against PSV's Ivan Perisic
Jakub Kiwior was not entirely convincing for Arsenal against PSV
While it's clear to see the value White brings to Arsenal's right flank in an attacking sense, he struggled defensively and that was typified by his misplaced first-half pass when he was pressured by a PSV attacker and then outpaced. Arteta immediately turned to the bench to convey his frustration.
White will need some regular playing time to get up to speed, a return to the England fold could yet beckon, but there are no guarantees he will feature ahead of Timber at right-back as it's now the Dutchman's spot to lose.
This really was not a good evening for Arsenal from a defensive perspective. After hitting PSV for seven in Eindhoven, they made the visitors look like the superior attacking force at times after taking their foot of the gas.
Despite promising cameos from Raheem Sterling and goalscorer Oleksandr Zinchenko, this was the kind of display that will raise questions about the quality of Arsenal's options in reserve. However, given they're now 15 points adrift of Liverpool in the Premier League, minutes can be managed as their European dream rumbles on and that is the saving grace for Arteta.
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