Champions League Group B
It will not always be this easy for Mikel Arteta's players if, as should be expected of all the Premier League's resource-rich representatives, they travel far in this season's competition but a slick and clinical outing bodes well for now. They were hardly troubled by a PSV Eindhoven side that laudably came to play but had no answer whatsoever to the hosts' speed and intent. If this is the standard of opposition in Group B it would be a surprise if qualification was not settled well before the final match.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus ended proceedings as a contest before halftime but it will encourage Arteta that, while the second period was barren for long periods, Arsenal's focus never wavered. They deserved the cherry on top that the outstanding Martin Ødegaard drilled into the far corner with 20 minutes left and dispelled any concerns that a lengthy absence from this level might beget stage fright.
Such was the appetite to savour this occasion at the outset that the Arsenal matchday programme printed the Champions League anthem's lyrics in full. It aired to a roar from the Emirates stands, coupled with applause. This level of enthusiasm for Uefa's flagship would be anathema at a venue up the M6 but Arsenal's return to the elite has been six years in coming and an evening of torrential rain in north London could not dampen the fervour.
This story is from the September 21, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the September 21, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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