Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with his side’s performance as they thrashed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, virtually guaranteeing their place in the next round. The Gunners were fierce,

with six players on the scoresheet, from right-back Jerrian Timber to left-back Riccardo Calafiori who netted the final goal. Highlights included 16-

year-old Ethan Vaneri’s second goal, while captain Martin Ødegaard was red-hot, netting twice in the second half.

“This is one of the best examples of European football in recent memory,” Arteta told โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที.

“I’m so happy for the boys because in the last two games we haven’t scored and I know there’s been a lot of criticism, but tonight they showed their energy and quality, which was really impressive. “

Before I made any tactical changes I said ‘you have to score the fourth’ and then the game was over. This is the clearest order.”

The victory was the heaviest defeat in PSV’s history and the first time the visitors have scored seven goals in a Champions League knockout round.

“This is the magic of football. Anything can happen in this game, no one knows. It is a very important result, especially playing away from home in Europe, a competition that Arsenal has been waiting for a long time,” said Arteta. Arteta

praised Vaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly for their confidence, even though the latter was substituted early on because he was at risk of a red card.

“The boys showed courage and professionalism, but the credit for their performances is due to the team-mates who helped them reach their full potential,” said the 42-year-old.

Asked why Lewis-Skelly was substituted, the Spaniard added: “I haven’t seen the second one, but in a situation where we are 2-0 up and playing away, I don’t want to take any chances. He is still young, we have to protect him.”