PSV Eindhoven eliminated from the Dutch Cup, adding pressure to their Champions League tie against Arsenal, with both teams now prioritising Europe.
There’s been some talk that all of Arsenal’s eggs are in one basket now, with the Premier League title race seemingly at an end.
Liverpool are 13 points clear of the Gunners having played just one game more, and Mikel Arteta’s side simply don’t look like catching up. If that’s an accurate assessment, the Champions League is the one trophy remaining to Arsenal.
Yet, last-16 opponents PSV are increasingly in a similar situation, dropping behind in the Eredivisie title race and being eliminated from the KNVB Cup on Wednesday.
PSV had led the Eredivisie for most of the season, but a run of six games with just one win has put them five points behind leaders Ajax.
PSV were also the favourites to win the Dutch cup, after reaching the semi-final stage. They’d already beaten all three of the teams remaining in the competition in league fixtures, and they’re well clear of the trio in the Eredivisie standings.
But things didn’t go to plan on Wednesday, as the Go Ahead Eagles raced into a 2-0 first-half lead.
Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Ivan Perisic has been in strong form lately, and he brought PSV back into the game with a penalty on the hour mark. But it wasn’t enough to avoid a cup elimination in front of their own supporters.
PSV will at least get an immediate shot at revenge, playing against the Go Ahead Eagles in a league fixture on Saturday.
Arsenal fans will hope the Dutch side put all their energy into getting their own back, with the Gunners to visit Eindhoven for their Champions League last-16 first leg match next Tuesday.