Arsenal completed a resounding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven to set up a mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.
Leading 7-1 from the first leg in the Netherlands, the Gunners took the opportunity and made an overhaul of changes to their starting XI.
The fans who were in attendance at the Emirates were treated to a sumptuous opening goal from Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has found himself on the periphery at times, picked up possession from Raheem Sterling’s touch inside and curled a superb effort into the left corner.
Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic expertly found the top-right corner from Guus Til’s pass to give the visitors a deserved equaliser.
And while Myles Lewis-Skelly hit the post for the home side at 1-1 and a brilliant Sterling run and cross from the right allowed Declan Rice to head Arsenal back in front.
PSV, who were backed by a spirited away following, restored some pride when Couhaib Driouech collected Isaac Babadi’s incisive pass to chip over the oncoming home goalkeeper David Raya and ensure they left London with a merited draw.
While the low-key nature of the contest is unlikely to leave Arteta overly pleased, the Spaniard will take some satisfaction from guiding the Gunners into the last eight in successive seasons for the first time since 2010.
With his team trailing leaders Liverpool by 15 points in the Premier League, Arteta will be acutely aware the Champions League is the most realistic chance of lifting silverware this season – with Carlo Ancelotti’s 15-time European Cup winners next up in the last eight.
