OFFICIAL:🚨 Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back in final training ahead of Manchester United clash,the boys trained under high intensity – as Arteta confirmed ahead of huge champions League clash with Real Madrid CONGRATULATIONS ARSENAL FANS 👏🔥🔥

Arsenal’s Champions League Dream Reignited After Stunning PSV Victory

Just when Arsenal’s 2024/25 season seemed destined for disappointment, Mikel Arteta may have witnessed the turning point he desperately needed. Ahead of their Champions League round of 16 first leg against PSV, the Gunners had struggled for goals, failing to score in three of their last four matches—a slump that had seemingly ended their hopes of competing for multiple trophies.

Last month, Arsenal suffered elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United and dropped five crucial points in the Premier League title race after a defeat to West Ham and a draw with Nottingham Forest. Now trailing the league leaders by 13 points, their best path to silverware may lie in Europe.

With their Champions League knockout campaign kicking off in the Netherlands, Arsenal responded emphatically, delivering a stunning 7-1 demolition of PSV. Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori all found the net, while Noa Lang grabbed a consolation goal for the Dutch side.

Given Arsenal’s recent struggles and injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, few could have predicted such a dominant performance. Even Arteta admitted he was taken aback.

“No, I didn’t expect seven goals,” he admitted, before adding with a grin, “That’s the beauty of football—you can never predict what’s going to happen. When things go well, you keep your head down, stay humble, and keep improving. The next match will be completely different, and nobody can script it.”

Quarter-Final Spot Within Reach

With a commanding advantage heading into the return leg, Arsenal are in pole position to reach the quarter-finals, where they could face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

PSV’s trip to the Emirates next Wednesday comes just days after Arsenal’s high-profile Premier League clash against Manchester United. Following that, the Gunners face a demanding domestic schedule, including home games against Chelsea and Fulham and a tricky away fixture at Everton.

A potential European quarter-final tie could align with the return of Saka and Martinelli, who have been sidelined with hamstring injuries. While Arsenal will manage their recoveries cautiously, Martinelli—having missed less time—could be fit for the first leg in early April. Saka’s return may take longer, but the second leg at the Bernabéu could provide the perfect stage for his comeback.

Champions League Glory the Priority?

Although Arteta won’t publicly admit it, Arsenal’s best chance at silverware this season could be the Champions League. With their domestic title hopes fading, the club may shift its priorities, possibly accelerating Saka and Martinelli’s recoveries for key European fixtures.

Whether Arsenal can go all the way remains uncertain, but after their statement win in Eindhoven, one thing is clear: their European journey is far from over.