SEDARA OLUWADARA
Luuk de Jong scored one and assisted another in a superb second-half cameo as PSV beat Arsenal 2-0, with the Gunners missing the chance to seal top spot in Europa League Group A.
Mikel Arteta highlighted the importance of topping the group ahead of the game, with the winners going straight into the round of 16 and bypassing an additional play-off tie that includes the best third-place teams from the Champions League – Barcelona and six-time Europa League winners Sevilla are already in the draw.
Ruud van Nistelrooy introduced 32-year-old striker De Jong at the break in what proved to be an inspired decision. He set up Joey Veerman for PSV’s opener (55), holding off Rob Holding with little effort before squaring the ball for the midfielder. Veerman then slotted home as the Dutch side finally saw a goal stand.
