Match Review: PSV 1-0 Arsenal

A night of frustration, pain and embarrassment was experienced in Eindhoven, making it two horrific performances from The Arsenal in just four days. In a game that wasn't a spectacle itself, there were few chances for Arsene Wenger's side to score. The PSV defence was solid. Alex and Da Costa were rocks at the back, and it didn't help Thierry Henry's troops that the Dutch champions had a giant of a keeper that was pretty decent. The keeper, Gomes, was stunning. Making many good saves to deny the gunners.

The game started slowly, and there was no real action until the 12th minute. Tomas Rosicky beautifully exchanged passes with Henry, before firing a low drive on goal, only for it to be saved remarkably by the Brazilian, Gomes. But the ball was still moving and could have gone in, had Carlos Salcido not cleared. Arouna Kone caused havoc with his tireless running and trickery, but never produced a clear-cut chance for the home side. Henry and Rosicky both had close, curling shots before the interval but that was about it.

Arsenal had played fairly well in the first half, dominating and keeping it simple. But it all changed. The gunners came out a different team, looking tired, sloppy and disinterested. PSV looked hungry. Despite being so defensive, they had a brief attacking spell, and for them, it proved to be successful. First, a long ball from the back found Kone, who volleyed a harmless shot wide. But Eindhoven broke through, with Kone not surprisingly at the source of it. The Ivorian striker found Ecuador's Edison Mendez, who fired a low, skidding volley past the helpless Lehmann from 30 yards. The pain was unbearable. But Arsenal responded well, a fierce strike from Cesc Fabregas was well tipped over by Gomes. A tame free kick from Baptista was about the only other chance on a disappointing night for all Gooners.

Match Ratings:
Lehmann: No chance for the goal but was never really called upon (5)
Gallas: Lacks match fitness. Looked way off the pace (5)
Toure: Dealt with the little PSV threat (6)
Senderos: Very poor. Too slow and not strong enough. Cygan II? Let's hope not! (4)
Clichy: Quiet but was so cool on the ball (6)
Hleb: Remarkably quiet. A shadow of the player from The Reebok (5)
Gilberto: Kept the midfield together despite being quiet (6)
Fabregas: Unusually, poor. Not like him. Needs a rest? (5)
Rosicky: The most lively player. In good form at the mo, unlucky not to score (8)
Henry: A few good touches but still not at his best (6)
Adebayor: Was he playing? (5)

Baptista: Unfortunately, just seems to be a Carling Cup player (5)