5 talking points as Nketiah sends timely Arsenal reminder with goal in PSV draw

12 December 2023 , 19:41

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Arsenal's final Champions League group match ended in a 1-1 draw after PSV fought back from a goal down at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta rotated his troops for the trip, but the Gunners still put in an impressive performance. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the 42nd minute before Yorbe Vertessen equalised for PSV, who have won all 15 of their Eredivisie games this season.

Despite failing to beat Arsenal, PSV have still qualified for the last 16 by finishing second in Group B - one point clear of Lens. The French club defeated Sevilla 2-1 in the group's other game but have dropped into the Europa League. Here are the main talking points...

Ramsdale gets chance

Arsenal's 6-0 victory against Lens last time out ensured they would finish top of Group B regardless of how Tuesday's game played out. That allowed Arteta to give some of his fringe players a chance against PSV, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The Englishman was axed to make way for David Raya, who arrived on loan from Brentford in August. Raya has struggled to impress since his move and many fans would love to see Ramsdale reinstated. Yet Ramsdale is finding it tough to break back into the fold.

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Ramsdale was joined in Arsenal's starting XI by the likes of Jakub Kiwior, Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson. Cedric Soares even got the chance to make a rare appearance.

PSV show intent

PSV started Tuesday's game on top (Getty Images)

What did you make of Arsenal's performance against PSV Eindhoven? Let us know in the comments below!

Although Arsenal's spot in the last 16 was already secure, PSV needed to win on Tuesday to progress. They almost scored in the opening stages but were denied when Gabriel Magalhaes and Ramsdale worked together to stop Ricardo Pepi from a few yards out.

Vertessen then found the outside of the post before Johan Bakayoko's effort went just wide. It was obvious which team needed the points. Yet Elneny reminded PSV of Arsenal's quality when he sent a long-range strike crashing into the woodwork.

Nketiah shows class

Eddie Nketiah scored a superb opening goal for Arsenal (Getty Images)

Despite PSV's bright start, it were the visitors who broke the deadlock. Nelson played a nice one-two with Cedric and found Nketiah just inside the box. The striker didn't have much space, but he took a brilliant touch with his right foot before shooting with his left.

It was a lovely finish and shows why Arsenal have so much faith in Nketiah. Martin Keown told TNT Sports: "I was very impressed with Nelson here, a little give-and-go and a bit of pace, a great ball and a really classy finish from Nketiah. A real marksman, this lad is."

Nketiah's goal could make Arteta think twice about trying to sign Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker is currently serving a ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules but will be available for selection again in January, with Chelsea also keen. Brentford could demand up to £100million for Toney after he hit 20 Premier League goals last season.

PSV hit back

Yorbe Vertessen equalised for PSV (Getty Images)

Arsenal went into the break a goal in front, but it didn't take long for PSV to equalise. The move started when Malik Tillman found Pepi in space with a neat pass. The latter steadied himself before rolling the ball into a rushing Vertessen to hit first time from the left.

Vertessen opened up his body and guided his effort onto the frame of the goal. Fortunately for PSV, the winger found the inside of the post on this occasion and the ball nestled in the net. Arsenal were now in danger of a second European defeat of the term.

Right to the wire

Vertessen's goal forced both teams into action. Nketiah found the side netting - prompting Arsenal fans to mistakenly celebrate a goal for a brief second - and PSV also had their chances. Yet neither side could find a winner. All eyes are now on the knockout stages.