Dutch side PSV Eindhoven have handed Arsenal thier first loss in the UEFA Europa League this season, following a dominant 2-0 victory over the Gunners in their Group A game Thursday evening.
Following a 1-0 win over PSV in the first leg of the encounter at the Emirates Stadium last week, Arsenal would have confirmed its status as the group winner with at least a draw in tonight’s game.
PSV saw their two goals by Cody Gakpo and Xavier Simons ruled out for offside as the first half ended goalless at the Philips Stadium in Netherlands.
The hosts’ ill-luck continued in the early minutes of the second half when their third goal was again ruled out for an offside but Joey Veerman finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute to put PSV ahead.
Substitute Luuk de Jong scored barely eight minutes later to double the hosts’ lead and seal the victory for PSV, sending them to the knockout phase of the Europa League.
The defeat is Arsenal’s first loss in Europe this season and second across all competitions. Both teams have qualified to the knockout stage of the competition but the fight for the top position is very much alive till the final game of the group.
A victory for PSV in their last game of the group against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt will ensure they finish top of Group B thanks to the UEFA head-to-head rule.