Interesting facts about Arsenal after their return to Champions League with 4:0 victory over PSV

Arsenal signaled their long-awaited Champions League return in emphatic fashion, dismantling PSV 4-0 at the Emirates on Thursday night.
The Gunners' exile from Europe's top table stretched to six arduous years, in stark contrast to the 19 consecutive qualifications under Arsene Wenger's reign.

But this young, hungry Arsenal side looks rejuvenated and ready to test themselves against the continent's elite, after finishing Premier League runners-up last season.

Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira all found the net as Arsenal overpowered the table-topping Eredivisie leaders, who arrived in London on a perfect domestic run.

«We were very good in both boxes, which is key in the Champions League», said Mikel Arteta post-match. «Between the boxes we can improve, but in the boxes we were excellent».
The Gunners oozed confidence and flair from the off, quickly pinning PSV back through crisp passing moves and clever dribbling. Martinelli's early header settled any nerves before Saka's penalty doubled the lead after a handball.

Nketiah pounced on hesitant defending to make it three on the hour, before Vieira curled home a fine fourth to put the gloss on a statement performance.
Arsenal's young guns now look primed to fire on their return to Europe's top table. You can always bet on them on pin-up casino.az.

Just facts

Here are 8 interesting facts about Arsenal in that game against PSV:

• Arsenal's front three all hit the target, with Saka and Trossard claiming assists too. The first time in the club's history two players have netted on their Champions League bows.
• The 4-0 scoreline reflected Arsenal's dominance - 59% possession, 17 shots to PSV's 12, eight on target to the visitors' four. The Gunners were clinical, scoring four from 2.36 expected goals while PSV managed just 0.57.
• Arsenal flew out of the blocks, scoring their fastest ever Champions League opener through Saka's 8th minute header. Seven of their eight shots on target came in a rampant first half, along with 1.85 expected goals.
• Jesus now has 21 Champions League goals in 39 appearances, scoring in exactly half his starts. That conversion rate is the eighth best in competition history (min 20 starts).
• Arsenal's first Champions League win on matchday one in 10 years, since 2013-14 versus Marseille. Their biggest opening match victory since 6-0 over Braga in 2010-11.
• Odegaard shone with a goal, three dribbles, 64 passes (most on the pitch) and 91% accuracy. A man of the match display.
• Every player from Arsenal's last Champions League match in 2016-17 has now departed. Granit Xhaka was the final member of that 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich to leave.
• Seven Arsenal starters made their Champions League bows against PSV. Only Zinchenko, Havertz, Jesus and Odegaard had prior experience.