Xhaka fires Arsenal into Europa League knockout stages
Granit Xhaka's volley ensured Arsenal secured qualification for the Europa League's knockout stages with two games to spare, firing the Gunners to a 1-0 home win over PSV.
Mikel Arteta selected a strong side as Arsenal looked to ensure its progression from Group A on Friday (AEDT), but PSV appeared likely to make it wait after producing a resolute defensive display.
Walter Benitez kept Arsenal at bay until the 70th minute, but Xhaka expertly diverted a right-wing delivery into the bottom-left corner to seal the host's progress.
While Arsenal is now assured of a place in the Europa League's knockout stages, a point in next week's return fixture will guarantee it top spot and a bye to the competition's round of 16.
Xhaka and Gabriel Jesus both dragged left-footed efforts wide as Arsenal laid siege to PSV's goal in the early exchanges, with Kieran Tierney also sending a wild volley over.
Fabio Vieira then whipped a free-kick wide of the bottom-left corner after 41 minutes, with Arteta's team failing to manage a shot on target before the break as PSV stood firm.
Arsenal improved after the restart, but Benitez made an excellent one-on-one save to deny Bukayo Saka after 53 minutes before turning Jesus' effort away following a slaloming run from the Brazilian.
Eddie Nketiah then smashed an effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post.
But just when Arsenal appeared to be running out of ideas, Xhaka had the final say.
The Switzerland international swivelled on Takehiro Tomiyasu's delivery to drill a right-footed effort beyond the dive of Benitez from just inside the area, ensuring Arsenal's progress.
