Historical Perspective: PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal

[Karl]

<SPAN class=titolo>Historical Perspective: PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal</SPAN>

<SPAN class=sommario>PSV Eindhoven host Arsenal in the Champions second phase first-leg at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday. As the build-up to the match continues, Goal.com takes a look at the four previous Champions League encounters between the two sides.</SPAN>



September 25 2002

PSV Eindhoven 0-4 Arsenal

The win ended almost two years of European frustration for Arsenal. This thrashing of PSV at the Philips Stadion was the Gunners’ first away win in Europe in 19 months and nine attempts. Gilberto Silva's goal within 20 seconds was the quickest in Champions League history and gave Arsenal the best possible start.

But the score-line was a little deceptive as the Gunners often passed poorly in the first-half and a better team than PSV may have made them pay. But they were much improved after the break, and added a second through Freddie Ljungberg. Arsenal made sure of the convincing win with two late goals from Thierry Henry.

The game was not only notable for Gilberto record-breaking goal. Non-flying and now retired Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp made a rare appearance in a Champions League away match, playing 79 minutes before being substituted for Kanu. Before the match, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spoke of Bergkamp’s presence giving his side a "psychological boost" and that was certainly how it appeared after Gilberto’s early effort.

This was a PSV side featuring Dennis Rommedahl and Mateja Kezman. Both failed to hit the heights after leaving the club but are just two of the many players PSV have moved on as they keep up their reputation of being one of Europe’s ‘selling’ clubs.

[Karl]

RE: Historical Perspective: PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal

<H1>Henry hails young Gunners</H1><SPAN class=newsDate>Monday, 19 February 2007</SPAN> <P class=newsActions>Thierry Henry believes Arsenal FC are reaching their peak as Europe's top sides gear up for the resumption of the UEFA Champions League this week.

'Peak'
The knockout stage begins tomorrow with Arsenal FC travelling to PSV Eindhoven and the timing could not be better according to the Gunners captain. "I do think this team is reaching the peak of having the right balance between experience and the fearless factor that you need when you are young," he told uefa.com.

'Style'
"We are playing some pretty football and also getting the results. Sometimes, at the beginning of the season, we were playing good football and not getting the results. So finally we have found a way to do both. The most important thing is to win but you are always going to try to do it in style. But we have won some games recently without playing well and that is a plus as well."

New steel
Henry sat out Arsenal's thrilling 3-1 win away to Bolton Wanderers FC in the FA Cup on Wednesday, but would have been impressed by the young Arsenal team's performance. After conceding a late goal that sent the tie into extra time, Arsenal battled back to earn a fifth-round meeting with Blackburn Rovers FC on Saturday - a game they drew 0-0 - in the process demonstrating the new steel and resolve that have characterised Arsène Wenger's side of late.

Confident
Arsenal are yet to lose this year and confidence is high as they bid to emulate last term's run to the UEFA Champions League final. The PSV Stadion is a happy hunting ground for Henry who has scored three times in two visits there with Arsenal, who have not lost to PSV in four meetings in the top competition. Wenger's men, though, have not had it all their own way. Both Patrick Vieira and Lauren were sent off in a 1-1 draw two years ago and Henry struck a note of caution ahead of the trip to the Dutch league leaders.

'Passionate'
"The fans are very passionate but the most important thing is that PSV Eindhoven are a good team. They play good football and reached the semi-final a couple of years ago. It is going to be a difficult one. The first time we went there we won 4-0, the second time it was another story. One-nil down within two minutes and we came back into the game and finished with nine players. But you know it is two legs. We need to make sure we can deliver a good game there and who knows what can happen at home."