3 factors that Arsenal must be wary of before PSV clash

Amid the expectations of a Serie A giant, Arsenal instead drew PSV Eindhoven and might fancy their chances of securing a Champions League quarter-final spot, right? RIGHT?

Well, events in recent weeks have complicated that aim: Kai Havertz became the latest Gunner to fall foul of injury and his absence – among others in the frontline – has led to the collapse of our Premier League title dream. The European charge might well suffer the same fate.

But PSV are enduring pain of their own. On Saturday, the 25-time league champions lost to Go Ahead Eagles and now lie eight points behind leaders Ajax, while defeat to the same opposition in the KNVB Cup last week means Europe is their best hope for silverware too.

Fortunes might change for us in midweek, but here are three factors that Arsenal need to be wary of going into this last 16 clash.

3 things Arsenal need to be wary of ahead of their UCL clash with PSV Eindhoven

1. Ghosts of north London past

The scriptwriters could be set for a feast.

As if injuries were not enough, Arsenal will also be haunted by some familiar faces on their visit to Eindhoven.

Among them is former Gunner Lucas Perez. The 36-year-old joined PSV last month on a short-term deal and, though likely to start on the bench, he could provide some second-half firepower for the home side – if only we had such luxuries.

His involvement is surpassed by that of former Sp*rs man Ivan Perisic, who will feature from the off. Also 36, the Croat still bears plenty in the tank (appearing in all bar one league match this campaign) and proved his considerable worth in the knockout phase play-offs, where his strikes in each match did much to dump Juventus out of the competition.

Their roles in a bad result will add salt to our gaping wounds and, the way things are going for us, it looks nailed on to happen.     

2. Strong PSV home form

Recent form might help address the need for concern, but Arsenal should still write off PSV at their peril.

The Dutch side are stuck in a rut, with their aforementioned loss to Go Ahead Eagles coming off the back of three successive Eredivisie draws and a cup exit.

Yet they remain quite formidable at home and have not lost a league match at their Philips Stadion since November 2022. They were also unbeaten there during the UCL table phase and even beat the Gunners on what was our last meaningful visit in October 2022 (in December 2023, we drew having already topped our UCL group).  

That record spells hurt for Arsenal as, under Mikel Arteta, only one knockout tie has been won within 180 minutes (vs Benfica in 2020/21), while matches against Leicester City, West Ham and Nottingham Forest suggest each of our remaining games this term will be a slog.

Arsenal did beat PSV 4-0 in September 2023, and Arteta will need even just half of that magic to earn another win on Tuesday.

3. Freezing out Raheem Sterling

Two goals and slicked-back hair saw him recast as Olivier Giroud 2.0., yet Arteta should be careful not to field Mikel Merino at #9 in the Netherlands (at least not from the start).

His usage there represents great innovation and all without much general upheaval, bearing in mind his bit-part role up until now. However, his big, lumbering frame is not ideal for quick attacks and he lacks the hold-up/playmaking qualities to be our go-to 90 minutes striker.

And playing against a Peter Bosz PSV is perhaps the best time to move away from the Merino-striker plan towards one involving Raheem Sterling (yes, really!).

There is little to suggest Sterling is ‘the answer’, but he knows the false-nine job and at least has the pace to capitalise on any space left in behind the PSV backline. Judging from their last Emirates visit, Bosz’s men will embrace a front-foot style that could give Sterling more than a few counter-attacking opportunities.

It is time for the Sterling loan to finally come good.     

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!