Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 7-1 thrashing of PSV in the Champions League

Ethan Nwaneri was the leading light of a seven-star show from Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners went to Eindhoven and had themselves a night at PSV's expense. Nwaneri, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori all found the net. Skipper Martin Odegaard also bagged a brace to put the hapless hosts to the sword, with Noa Lang's penalty offering next-to no consolation for the home side.

This was vintage Arsenal stuff against one of Europe's less-than-elites. An ode to the days of Arsene Wenger's teams turning on the style on the continent against solid, but pedestrian opposition.

PSV still had some moments, most of them gifted by a defence that appeared vulnerable to some direct intent, but this was a game more about what Arsenal did going forward. What the Gunners did was play rapid, probing, clever and efficient football.

The fact most of it went through Odegaard was hardly a surprise, but Arsenal's lone creative force received ample support for once. It came from a variety of sources, including an in-the-mood-again Trossard, along with an enterprising Nwaneri.

He continues to look like a truly special player, but Nwaneri had the platform to succeed because of tireless running from Declan Rice. The latter looked leggy during the goalless snoozer against Nottingham Forest that ended any hopes of a genuine challenge for the Premier League title, but on this evidence, Arsenal are firmly in the mix to claim Europe's top prize.

Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 7-1 thrashing at PSV

Positive #1: Leandro Trossard regains some swagger

A goal, some fancy touches and intelligent movement showed Trossard getting his swagger back after some miserable recent displays. The Belgian is always at his best when he's playing with flair, a quality summed up by his involvement in the build-up to his own goal.

Trossard ignited the move with a slick back-heel to release substitute Calafiori. Rather than standing to admire his work, Trossard timed a subtle dart forward to perfection, meeting Calafiori's return pass with a sly finish.

This was ruthless and beautiful interplay between two senior figures in the team. The result got Trossard back among the goals, exactly where Mikel Arteta needs the versatile winger for the business end of a campaign that still has plenty at stake.

Trossard's ability to impact the final third from a variety of spots should be invaluable for a team playing sans a natural and prolific striker. That value depends on Trossard producing his best form, something he showed encouraging signs of doing on Europe's biggest stage.

It was a night for the artists in the team to show off a flourish or two, and Trossard may have been inspired by the enthusiasm of a gifted fledgling.

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