Ruud van Nistelrooy has a habit of ending Arsenal’s unbeaten runs. Some 18 years after he condemned the Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles to a first defeat in 50 league matches, his PSV Eindhoven side found frailties in Mikel Arteta’s young Gunners.
A first loss in 10 games may not prevent them from topping the group and skipping the Europa League’s February fixtures, though a win over FC Zurich next week is now required to guaranteed top spot. But the cause for concern came instead from a shocking second-half display. This was much Arsenal’s worst performance of the season. Factor in Sunday’s draw at Southampton and their campaign has its first wobble.
