Mikel Arteta points out what made difference for Arsenal in "beautiful" PSV win
Mikel Arteta enjoyed a “beautiful night” after Arsenal’s first Champions League game in seven years.
The Gunners blitzed PSV Eindhoven with goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard. Arteta believes the win is perfect preparation for the North London derby on Sunday and shows Arsenal are ready to compete on the biggest European stage.
Arsenal boss Arteta said: “It was a beautiful night after such a long time. We wanted to produce the right performance to win the game.
“It was great to see the atmosphere and the Champions League music. Everyone was getting a bit emotional before it. We showed in both boxes today I think we were exceptional. That was the difference today I think.
“I was really excited about it. I wanted to control and not show that too much, but I was really excited. The journey started last year when we earned the right to be in this competition which is where we have to be as a club. Now we have to produce what we have to produce to stay at this level.”
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But Arteta insisted that Arsenal can still improve. He added: “ Especially from box to box there are things we should have done much, much better. That’s every single day you have to be at it.
“You have to be really analytical to try to improve. At the same time credit to the boys, to play the way they played in certain moments and score four goals in the Champions League against a team that hasn’t lost all season. Credit to them.”
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Leandro Trossard was on target as Arsenal made a fast start (Getty Images)Odegaard also insisted that Arsenal are ready to fight to win the trophy and added: “ You saw the motivation and energy right from the start. To be back in this competition is huge for this club.
"We are in this competition to compete and to fight to go all the way. It is a great start, we have to keep working hard and we will see.
"I was eager to get on the scoresheet! I found the space in the corner and it was good."
Arsenal won't have much time to rest and soak in the victory over PSV. Next up for Arteta's side is a huge North London Derby at home to Spurs, with both teams locked together on 13 points in the league.
Another all-London clash follows that, against Brentford in the EFL Cup, followed by a trip to Bournemouth in the league. Arsenal will then resume their European campaign away to Lens on October 3.
Lens, who finished second in France last season, have struggled domestically this season but avoided defeat in their Champions League opener. They fell behind early on away to Sevilla, but Angelo Fulgini's equaliser ensured the spoils were shared.
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