Arsenal return to European action on Thursday night as they host Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium, eyeing a victory that takes them a step closer to finishing top of Group A. The Gunners currently occupy that position, two points clear of their opponents in second going into the match.
The difference between finishing first and second could be huge for Mikel Arteta, with the side finishing top getting a route through while the side finishing behind have to face a team that dropped from the Champions League. That may not just add more fixtures, which they wouldn't want, but it could also be a tougher match to come up against.
“It’s a competition that is really important for us, we know how important it is to be on top of that group...” the Spaniard said on the Europa League earlier this season. "Playing in Europe is always great and tomorrow I think we’re going to have a great atmosphere again at the Emirates. We want to produce those nights and we know that we want to be playing yesterday and today [in the Champions League], but at the moment it’s our reality and we have to accept it. It’s part of our next step.”
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With more squad rotation a distinct possibility, there should be little need for the manager to motivate his squad to put in a performance and take all three points. However if there is the need for some, then their opposition may well have given it to them.
That's because the official PSV Eindhoven account tweeted out a dig at Arsenal, showing a picture of Xavi Simons doing Gabriel Jesus' phone call celebration. The caption reads: "Calling @Arsenal. Is @gabrieljesus9 at home?"
It remains to be seen if Gabriel Jesus will play a role in the game, often coming off the bench in Europa League fixtures so far this season. However, both he and the rest of the side could feel as though they have had a shot taken at them before the game even begins.
Arteta hasn't been averse to using social media posts or jibes at the team to fire them up before, using Ivan Toney's post-match tweet around a "nice kick about" when Brentford had previously beaten the Gunners. It could be that extra bit the side need to secure a huge victory.
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