Arsenal advance in Europa League with win against PSV

Sports Desk, Oct 20 (EFE).- Granit Xhaka’s goal with 20 minutes left in regulation proved to be all Arsenal would need to beat PSV Eindhoven 1-0 and punch their ticket to the knockout stage of the 2022-2023 Europa League.

The Gunners lead Group A with 12 points and require only a point from their final two matches – against PSV and hapless FC Zurich, respectively – to advance as group winners.

PSV are second on 7 points, 3 better than Bodo/Glimt, and the Match Day 6 clash between those two clubs could decide which of them qualifies for a playoff to earn a berth in the round-of-16.

The Premier League leaders had more than 60 percent possession and put eight shots on target to just one for the visitors from the Netherlands, who should thank goalkeeper Walter Benitez for allowing them to avoid an embarrassing rout at London’s Emirates Stadium.

Benitez held the Gunners at bay until the 70th minute, when Xhaka connected with a cross into the box from Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The PSV keeper denied Bukayo Saka to keep his side in the match, but the Dutch squad failed to bring any pressure to bear in the opposing end and Arsenal posted an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions. EFE apa/dr