Arsenal have summit to work for after loss to PSV Eindhoven

Despite having already qualified for the knockout stages, a 2-0 defeat means they must collect at least a point at home to FC Zurich next week to avoid featuring in the play-offs against clubs dropping out of the Champions League – potentially including Barcelona, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

It also means the Premier League leaders cannot rest key men ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.

PSV attackers Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons had first-half goals disallowed for offside while Eddie Nketiah and Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard were denied by Walter Benitez before the break.

Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale needed to deny Simons and Joey Veerman in quick succession as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side started the second half brightly.

It was a warning Arsenal failed to heed and PSV took a 55th-minute lead when Veerman struck from 15 yards after being set up by half-time substitute Luuk de Jong.

Ramsdale had little chance with that one but appeared to be at fault eight minutes later when failing to make contact with a Gakpo cross, allowing De Jong to double the advantage.

Gakpo had a second effort ruled out for offside and De Jong headed wide as the Gunners failed to score in a European away game for the first time in 17 matches.

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