Arsenal fans are abuzz with speculation that manager Mikel Arteta employed a previously mentioned tactical innovation during the team's recent 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

 

Arsenal supporters are unified in their reactions following the team's resounding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg. The Gunners showcased a dominant performance at the Philips Stadion, setting a new record for the largest away win in the knockout stages of the competition. citeturn0search1

The match saw contributions from multiple players:

• Jurrien Timber initiated the scoring in the 18th minute.
• Ethan Nwaneri, at just 17 years old, doubled the lead three minutes later, becoming one of the youngest scorers in Champions League knockout history. citeturn0news21
• Mikel Merino added a third by the 31st minute, putting Arsenal in firm control.
• Although Noa Lang converted a penalty for PSV just before halftime, Arsenal's dominance continued in the second half.
• Martin Ødegaard restored the three-goal cushion early in the second half and later added another to his tally.
• Leandro Trossard also found the net, contributing to the team's impressive goal tally.
• Riccardo Calafiori sealed the emphatic victory with Arsenal’s seventh goal, capping off a spectacular display.

Fans were particularly intrigued by manager Mikel Arteta's tactical decisions, especially the advanced positioning of defender Riccardo Calafiori. This strategy, hinted at by Arteta in previous weeks, paid off as Calafiori not only contributed defensively but also showcased his attacking prowess with a goal. Supporters took to social media to express their admiration:

• One fan commented, "We have CFs playing as defenders. Just look at that finish from Riccardo Calafiori."
• Another added, "Calafiori’s more dangerous than Sterling in the final third lol what a finish."
• A third wrote, "How do I explain that Calafiori actually plays like an attacker and not a defender?"

Reflecting on the match, captain Martin Ødegaard expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I enjoyed that one… It is hard to explain, but I think today you saw what we are capable of, and hopefully, we will continue now." Manager Mikel Arteta also acknowledged the significance of the win, especially after recent challenges in front of goal: "So happy for the boys because in the last two games, we haven’t scored a goal, and we know the noise around that. It’s a massive result away from home in a competition that we love and missed for so many years. Today is a really special night for us."

This commanding performance not only boosts Arsenal's confidence but also underscores Arteta tactical versatility as the team advances in the competition.