Football

THEO WALCOTT missed TWO Arsenal goals during their 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven – because he’s injured. The former Gunners star watched Mikel Arteta’s side all but secure a Champions League quarter-final spot from the Amazon commentary box. Amazon pundit Theo Walcott admitted he missed two of Arsenal’s goals on TuesdayCredit: RexThe Gunners put seven past PSV to all but secure a quarter-final placeCredit: PAWalcott joined host Gabby Logan and fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge to review the action from the Philips Stadium. The 35-year-old spent 12 years at the Emirates, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances.Walcott was blighted by injury for much of his career, with persistent knocks forcing him to hang up his boots in 2023.And that bad luck appears to have followed him into his media career.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSWalcott revealed he missed two of Arsenal’s goals because he was “limping” from pitchside to the gantry. Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard netted in the 47th and 48th minute, extending Arsenal’s lead to 5-1. Discussing Odegaard’s strike, Walcott admitted: “I missed that goal actually, limping back [to the studio].”Logan laughed in response: “Was that you hobbling? Didn’t you miss [Trossard’s goal too]? Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Because you were working with Gabrial [Clarke] just before kick-off [pitchside].”Logan revealed Walcott was suffering from a “poorly knee.”Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title She added with a grin: “You’ve only mentioned it eight times tonight! “You asked ‘Hang on a minute, what’s happened here?’ [after seeing the score].”Walcott’s colleague Sturridge then chimed in with a possible reason for the injury, laughing: “Golfing!”It proved to be a European night to remember for Arsenal, who have struggled for goals in recent weeks.The Gunners’ title charge has faltered following injuries to key personnel upfront.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…But they took out their frustration on PSV, with six different scorers contributing to a famous rout.A delighted Arteta beamed: “It’s very significant but it’s just to put yourself in a really strong position to go through to the next round.”That’s it; that’s the reality. To put landmarks, we have to really make it to a very different level. “But obviously, this team has done a lot that hasn’t been done in many, many years or in the history of the club. “Which means a lot, but that’s not what we want.”But he also warned: “In football, and you do very well today, put your head down, be humble, analyse how you can improve. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because the next game is going to be completely different to this one.”And nobody can write the script, unfortunately, even if we would like to.” More

ARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.Mikel Merino, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard all got on the scoresheetCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri fired in an emphatic finishCredit: GettyTimber opened the scoring with a headerCredit: GettyA quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners display.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Raya – 7Nothing he could do about the penalty.Commanded his box well but was barely tested by a lacklustre PSV attack.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League Jurrien Timber – 8Attacked the far post well to head Arsenal in front.Bombed forward and showed some clever touches in the attacking final third, while also keeping a tight lid on Noa Lang.He has really made the right-back position his own in recent weeks – Ben White could struggle to get back into the team now he is fit again.William Saliba – 7As assured as a display you will see without having a lot to deal with.Sprayed the ball out from defence effectively, and will now likely be given a rest for the return leg.Gabriel – 7Like his defensive partner, he was calm on the ball and built attacks while marshalling his defence well.Did not give Luuk de Jong a sniff, whose only joy all night was the penalty he won from Partey grabbing him around the neck.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4Did well for Arsenal’s second as he reached the byline before crossing to his Hale End pal to score.Was booked after 25 minutes and was very fortunate to escape a second yellow just moments later.He was hooked after Merino’s goal just after the half-hour mark.Thomas Partey – 6Gave away a needless penalty with his side cruising and going into half-time 3-0 up.Could have no complaints either as he had his arm around De Jong’s neck.Declan Rice – 9Controlled the ball brilliantly in the box before finding space to whip in a perfect cross for Timber to score the opener.He had found the bottom corner with precision moments earlier but the long-range strike was ruled out for offside.Showed a lot more intensity than recent games, got forward often and looked a threat every time he did.Martin Odegaard – 9Had a simple finish for his first after good work from Nwaneri.Took his second very well, darting inside and passing a couple of markers before firing in – it was straight at the keeper but he could only palm it into the net.Produced the assist of the match with a wonderful outside-of-the-boot pass for Calafiori’s goal.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Took his goal expertly. An effortless first-time finish which he blasted past the keeper from Lewis-Skelly’s cutback.Did very well for the Gunners’ fourth goal as he beat his defender before firing a low cross that was not dealt with, resulting in Odegaard firing home.He was a menace throughout and was perhaps Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat – not bad for Arsenal’s second-youngest Champions League appearance maker.Leandro Trossard – 8Clever pass into Rice in the build-up to the opening goal.An even smarter chip put his side 5-1 up after Calafiori’s slipped pass.Mikel Merino – 7Started up-front again and this time it paid off. However it took some of the most shambolic defending to set up the Spaniard.A myriad of errors culminated in Ryan Flamingo passing straight to the makeshift striker who slotted in.He otherwise showed some good touches and acted as a lynchpin for a more dynamic Gunners attack than usual.SubsRiccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 33mins) – 7Delivered an assist for Trossard and looked to support the attack as often as he could, scoring his side’s seventh late on.But unlike last Tuesday he remained concentrated at the back too.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Partey, 71mins) – 6Brought on to help see out the match and he did so, keeping possession well.Came very close to scoring with a low shot that produced a good save from the keeper.Raheem Sterling (for Nwaneri, 71mins) – 5Brought on up-front but he was not involved much.Ben White (for Timber, 77mins) – 6Shored up the defence as he continues to build his fitness after returning from injury. More

IVAN PERISIC has done the “Spursiest” thing ever having been on the wrong end of a hammering by Arsenal.The former Tottenham winger started for PSV against the Gunners in the first-leg of the round of 16 clash in the Champions League.Ivan Perisic made a dig at Arsenal before facing in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHis PSV side were humiliated by Arsenal in the matchCredit: RexJurrien Timber netted Arsenal’s first of the evening with his headCredit: AFPRiccardo Calafiori wrapped up the scoring late onCredit: GettyThe match did not go well for Perisic or the rest of his Dutch side in the Philips Stadion.Jurrien Timber netted the opener before Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino made it 3-0.Noa Lang did get one back for PSV before the break to offer a slim chance of a positive result.But all chances of a comeback were quickly put to bed as the Gunners hit FOUR more in the second half to win 7-1.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSFollowing the match, Perisic’s quotes about the match resurfaced on social media.The Croatian had fired a dig at his former rivals by suggesting that they were “always missing something” in the hunt for trophies.He was referring to the Gunners’ failures in the Premier League in recent seasons, which has seen them miss out on the title to Manchester City.The North London outfit also look set to miss out on the title yet again this season but this time to Liverpool.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “It’s going to be tough, they are a really good team, a young team,”Good coach, but in the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League He could only watch as Arsenal hit his side for SEVENCredit: GettyPSV have more than a mountain to climb in the second legCredit: Getty”We have to be ready and I know we are going to have a good chance to beat them.”I really believe in my team.”We have trained well and tactically we have to be on the top level to show something good against them.”Fans were quick to bring up to the bold comment following the match as they poked fun at the former Spurs star.One posted: “Spoke too soon.”A second wrote: “You can get Ivan out of Tottenham but you can’t get Tottenham out of Ivan.”Another said: “Spursiest thing ever that is.”A fourth added: “You’ll never wash the Tottenham out of him.”Perisic will somewhat be feeling he has some egg on his face following the full-time whistle in Holland.The Croatian signed for PSV in September, having signed a one-year contract after leaving Hajduk Split.He left Spurs in January 2024 for Hajduk initially on loan before the move was made permanent in the summer.Odegaard hailed Arsenal’s performance at full-time as he spoke to Amazon.He said: “Unfortunately we conceded one goal but apart from that it was a top performance.”We work hard every day to improve, especially after performances like the West Ham one, we want to do better. We always work hard, and today it clicked.”Of course, I think every player in my position wants to influence the game. For me this season I haven’t been good enough.”The result leaves PSV with the biggest mountain ever to climb to have any hope of progressing to the quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Real Madrid celebrated their 500th game in the competition as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by French side Lille while Aston Villa won the earlier kick off 3-1 against Club Brugge.Martin Odegaard was named man of the matchCredit: GettyPerisic played for Tottenham between 2022 and 2024Credit: Getty More