Football News : Granit Xhaka strike sees Arsenal edge past PSV Eindhoven

Following their 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in their rescheduled Group A match at the Emirates,Arsenal moved to within one point of securing a spot in the Europa League last-16.

Granit Xhaka's deft half-volley in the second half was all that was required to divide the clubs and ensure a top-two finish for Arsenal after the Gunners endured a discouraging 70 minutes in North London as PSV withstood intense pressure.

PSV was stuck inside their own half and scarcely getting a look in the final third during the first few minutes of play, precisely where Arsenal wanted them. However, throughout the first exchanges, goalkeeper Walter Benitez was not testedas Kieran Tierney sent a volley over the top and Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka both missed their targets.

However, Ruud van Nistelrooy's team did make one offensive move when 19-year-old sensation Xavi Simonsdrove through an empty Arsenal midfield before shooting harmlessly over.

Just before halftime, a free kick from Fabio Vieira smacked into the side netting as Arsenal returned to the locker room without forcing Benitez into a single stop. However, early in the second half, everything would change.

Jesus managed to get a shot off seven minutes after the restart before losing his balance, but Benitez seemed unconcerned by his weak attempt, and two minutes later, Bukayo Saka was turned away by the ex-Nice player.

As Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both failed to cause the net to tremble following driving dashes towards the centre, Mikel Arteta's team started to step up their game in their pursuit of a five-point lead over the Dutch champions.

After an hour, a PSV team that was mainly confined to their own half forced the previously unflappable Matt Turner to make a stop as the American stooped low to deny Simons access to the far corner.

As the game neared its final 20 minutes, Arsenal finally broke through in impressive fashion. Takehiro Tomiyasu's cross from the right found Xhaka unmarked by the penalty box, and the Switzerland captain picked out the corner on the half-volley with his weaker right foot, though it appears that the ball may have taken a nick off Andre Ramalho before going into the net.

With their tails up, Arsenal almost extended their advantage right away. The English winger eluded numerous PSV challenges in a mad dash before forcing Benitez into a fine low save.

When Saka fell to the ground clutching his calf, there were concerns, but the 21-year-old was able to continue and make another save from Benitez after the Argentine had stopped substitute Gabriel Martinelli from a tight angle.

Arsenal will now, at the at least, take part in the playoffs for the knockout phase, and all they need to do is draw against PSV at the Philips Stadion the following week to secure top place in Group A.

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