3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's 1-1 draw at PSV
- Eddie Nketiah scored his first Champions League goal
- Disappointment for the academy stars
- Favourable opponent in the knockout stage?
![PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2167,h_1218,x_0,y_355/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/209/01hhhc7xmg862td33r0z.jpg)
Positive #3: Favourable draw in round of 16?
Qualifying top of the group means you're often very likely to get a favourable draw for the first knockout stage.
This season, though, the likes of Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, and AC Milan could be potential opponents for Arsenal. However, there is also every likelihood that we are drawn against FC Porto, Lazio, Copenhagen, or Shakhtar Donetsk.
There are no easy games in the Champions League and progressing as group winners does not guarantee any favourable draw.
Negative #3: Lack of defensive options a worry
Declan Rice came on in the second half in place of William Saliba, playing centre-back for Arsenal. We know Rice is a very capable and accomplished footballer who can play various roles superbly, but the team needs him in midfield.
It was not an ideal situation; it was necessitated by the fact that we have only six recognised senior defenders available given the injuries to Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber. Arsenal will not hope nothing happens to Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior, and Ben White. If it does, we will be in Cedric territory.
It's an area of the pitch the club could look to bolster in the January transfer window.