Arsenal concluded their return to the UEFA Champions League group stage with a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, securing the top spot in Group B after a six-season absence from Europe’s premier competition.
Having already secured the group’s lead and a seeded position in the upcoming round of 16 draw, Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the starting lineup following their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Gunners took the lead just before halftime, with Eddie Nketiah creating space for himself and delivering a precisely placed shot into the bottom corner, hitting the inside of the post from the top of the penalty area in the 42nd minute.
This goal occurred during a period when PSV was actively pressing and generating several scoring opportunities within 10 yards. Undeterred, PSV started the second half strongly and eventually found their equalizer.
In the build-up, two Americans collaborated, with Malik Tillman advancing the ball from PSV’s defensive third and providing a threaded-through ball to Ricardo Pepi. Pepi, nearing the edge of the box, passed to Yorbe Vertessesn, who executed a perfectly timed overlapping run into the penalty area.
With his first touch, Vertessen elegantly curled the ball off the inside of the far post, leveling the score at 1-1.