Smith-Rowe back in training as Arsenal prepare for PSV in UCL
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PSV Eindhoven host Arsenal in the final matchday of the Champions League group stages with both teams having already qualified for the next stage of the competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won four of their five matches so far, putting them top of Group B and giving them an unassailable lead of four points. PSV are second in the table but as they have a better head-to-head record than Lens they cannot lose that spot despite what happens tonight.
Though this match has seemingly low stakes, there are potential avenues both managers can explore. Arteta will no doubt make some personnel changes, to keep his squad fresh and give game time and exeprience to those that need it.
Ending the group stages with a win can also build momentum for the last-16. On paper Arsenal should have a friendlier draw but with Arteta wanting to prove his team’s credentials in Europe he won’t be taking anything for granted.
Follow all the match action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
83 mins: Almost. Disallowed goal!
The Gunners win a free kick over on the left side of the pitch that Martin Odegaard swings into the box. Gabriel is in an offside position as the ball comes towards him.
Jakib Kiwior leaps in front of him and turns the ball into the back of the net but Gabriel was interfering with play and the goal is chalked off after a VAR check.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:27
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
80 mins: Inside the final 10 minutes now and there’s nothing to separate the two teams but the hosts are the ones knocking at the door and chasing a winner.
They were in the ascendancy in the first half too when Arsenal scored. Will history repeat itself?
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:24
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
78 mins: Ben White blocks Pepi’s first effort at a cross before the second is floated over towards the back post. Jakub Kiwior sticks to his marker brilliantly and has enough strength to keep the forward from leaping fully towards the ball.
It drops over the heads of both men and Arsenal can clear their lines.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:23
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
75 mins: Bakayoko flicks the set piece over to the back post but Rice is there to meet the ball in the air and nod it clear. Arsenal’s counter-attack doesn’t quite materialise but they manage to keep hold of the ball high up the pitch.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:20
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
71 mins: Declan Rice has come onto the pitch and is playing as a centre-back. Bakayoko is clipped and brought down outside the penalty area resulting in a PSV free kick.
Bakayoko himself is standing over it…
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:15
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
68 mins: POST! Ismael Saibari is denied by the woodwork.
A fine run in behind from the PSV midfielder sees him picked out inside the box and he beats Aaron Ramsdale at the near post with a guided shot.
The ball rattles into the woodwork and bounces clear denying PSV the chance to go ahead.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:11
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
65 mins: Eddie Nketiah has taken a knock to the head and stayed down causing a break in play. There’s some concern for the Arsenal forward but he’s back on his feet and will play on.
Arsenal restart the match quickly with Havertz and Nelson combining. Nelson takes the ball into the box, shuffles onto his left and pings a shot into the side netting.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:09
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
62 mins: Mikel Arteta makes a triple change now with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Ben White all coming on to replace William Saliba, Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:08
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
59 mins: Close! Leandro Trossard does well to get the ball up to Eddie Nketiah from the left. The forward manages to turn the ball over to Kai Havertz who curls a pass over to the opposite side of the pitch for Cedric Soares.
He floats a cross into the box and picks out Nketiah who manages to nod the ball into the side netting. The Arsenal fans believed the ball went in but their bubble was popped pretty quickly.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:04
PSV 1-1 Arsenal
56 mins: A shot from Van Aanholt is blocked and comes back out to Tillman. He takes it over to the right and whips in a cross only for the ball to curl out of play.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 19:01
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
