3 things that went wrong in Arsenal’s defeat to PSV Eindhoven

3. Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo ran the show

Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo made up for their disappointing displays at the Emirates last week with electric performances at the Philips Stadion. On a different night, the duo could have had three goals between them – that is the number of times they beat Ramsdale before the linesman or VAR intervened.

But if there was ever a performance to showcase youthful talent, then this was it. Gakpo’s electrifying speed assured that he was in a position to chip the ball over the oncoming Arsenal keeper for his first disallowed goal. His second showed his positioning and natural goal-scoring talents – something that Eredivisie fans have been so used to seeing this season.

Simons’ performance was a little more controlled than Gakpo’s. His highlight reel from the match could include many moments, but none come close to the defence-splitting pass he played through to Gakpo. Although the move did not end in a goal, the beauty of the move came from the former Paris Saint-Germain player’s pass. If many big teams were watching, then this was an audition of the highest quality from both of Van Nistelrooy’s youthful attackers.