PSV Eindhoven 1-0 Arsenal
Edison Mendez's sweet second-half strike gave PSV Eindhoven the
advantage against a ragged Arsenal in their Champions League last
16 tie. The Gunners had the better of the first half, with Tomas
Rosicky forcing PSV keeper Gomes into a fine save. But PSV improved
after the break and Mendez beat Jens Lehmann with a fierce low
effort from 25 yards on the hour.
Despite plenty of possession, Arsenal could not fashion an
equaliser and must come from behind in the second leg. It had
started promisingly enough for Arsene Wenger's side, who kept PSV
on the back foot in the first-half with their one-touch passing
game.
Gomes pulled off a magnificent save from Rosicky after the Czech
midfielder had exchanged a one-two with Thierry Henry and both
Rosicky and Henry went close with 20-yard efforts.
As Arsenal pressed, PSV were relying heavily on the pace of Arouna
Kone to ease the pressure but the striker was too often ploughing a
lone furrow. But after a half-time talking-to from Koeman,and no
doubt encouraged by some sloppy Arsenal play, PSV began to commit
more numbers to attack.
Kone had already made a mess of a volley when Mendez put the hosts
ahead with a deadly low strike into the corner. The PSV fans could
barely believe their luck and after a quiet first-half, the Philips
Stadion came to life.
Arsenal looked panic-stricken, with pass after pass going astray.
The sense of bewilderment was summed up when Philippe Senderos was
booked for a pointless handball.
With his side in control, Koeman took the opportunity to create
Champions League history by sending on Xiang Sun - the first
Chinese player to appear in the competition. And with Sun
bolstering PSV's defence, Arsenal found chances hard to come by
despite enjoying plenty of possession.
Henry sensed an opportunity when he was fouled 30 yards out but he
was left shaking his head when substitute Julio Baptista stole in
take the free-kick and put it straight at the keeper.
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PSV: Gomes, Kromkamp, Alex, Da Costa (Sun 65), Salcido, Culina,
Simons, Cocu, Mendez, Kone, Tardelli (Vayrynen 75).
Subs Not Used: Moens, Addo, Feher.
Goals: Mendez 61.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Gallas, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb (Julio
Baptista 75), Silva, Fabregas, Rosicky, Henry, Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Ljungberg, Denilson, Flamini, Djourou,
Aliadiere.
Booked: Senderos.
Att: 35,000.
Ref: Tom Ovrebo (Norway).
