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PSV Eindhoven Poses a Formidable Challenge for Arsenal in the Champions League
Former Netherlands international and Premier League star Bolo Zenden is wary about talking up PSV Eindhoven’s chances against Arsenal in the Champions League, despite the Gunners’ injuries.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been drawn to face PSV in the last 16 of the Champions League, with the first leg of the tie set to take place in the Netherlands on Tuesday night. Arsenal have been heavily impacted by injuries of late, and Arteta’s attacking options have been depleted, which has also seen the Gunners lose ground in the Premier League title race.
PSV, on the other hand, sit second in the Dutch Eredivisie and put out Italian giants Juventus in their knockout playoff round tie, which could serve as a warning to Arsenal. Zenden, who played for PSV, feels the Dutch giants do have a chance against Arsenal, but he is unwilling to underestimate the Gunners.
Zenden’s Cautious Optimism for PSV’s Chances
Zenden admits that Arsenal lack a pure striker at the moment, but he is clear that the Gunners still have a tremendous amount of quality throughout their squad.
| PSV by competition | Stage |
|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 2nd (23 games played) |
| Champions League | Last 16 stage (ongoing) |
| Dutch Cup | Reached semi-final |
“Everything is possible but it will be a difficult task for PSV”, Zenden told Inside Futbol via phone when asked about PSV’s chances against Arsenal.
“I know Arsenal has a lot of injuries and is without a true striker.
“But still there is a lot of quality within the squad.”
PSV have scored no fewer than 71 goals in their 23 Eredivisie games so far this season and are sure to pose a real goal threat to the Gunners’ defense. Indeed, PSV’s goals total is the highest in the Eredivisie, with league leaders Ajax having scored 20 fewer goals.
The Dutch giants put three goals past Juventus in the decisive second leg in the Netherlands, running out 3-1 winners after extra time, which could be a sign of their attacking prowess and ability to overcome top-tier opponents.
In conclusion, while Arsenal may be dealing with injury woes, PSV Eindhoven’s impressive form and recent success against a European powerhouse like Juventus suggest that the Dutch club could pose a significant challenge to the Gunners in the Champions League last-16 tie. It will be an intriguing matchup to watch unfold.
