Arsenal defender Rob Holding was spotted laughing while consoling a devastated Xavi Simons after the PSV Eindhoven star's superb solo effort was ruled out by VAR.
The 19-year-old Dutch youth international went on a sensational run from the edge of the Gunners' penalty area and evaded four different defensive challenges before firing home past visiting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
It was a moment that had lit up the game, coming just two minutes before the half-time break, and had appeared to give the home side the lead at the end of a cagey opening period. However, after a lengthy VAR delay – the goal was chalked off due to an earlier offside in the move.
There was a lengthy stoppage due to the off-field officials monitoring the decision before adjudicating that the goal should not stand before three more minutes of play elapsed before the half-time whistle was blown in Eindhoven.
For the remainder of the half, the PSV teenager appeared to be moping around the pitch in dejection that such a fine solo effort had been ruled out. It was a moment of great skill and tenacity by the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain youth player, which would have sparked potential headlines due to the quality involved.
When the half-time whistle was blown, Gunners defender Holding could be seen going over to his opponent and appearing to console him by placing his arm around his shoulders. While the moment appeared to be genuine, the central defender also showed that he found the situation a little humorous with a wry smile.
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Mikel Arteta's side require just one point from their trip to the Netherlands to secure top spot in the group and avoid having to play a Round of 32 tie in February. That would save the Gunners two matches, which they would have to play if they finished second in their group.
The Gunners had won each of their opening four group games with two victories over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, having already secured victories at home to PSV – who are the second strongest outfit in the group – and Swiss champions FC Zurich.
Arsenal had conceded just one goal in their opening four group games in their first campaign back in European football since the 2020/21 campaign when Arteta guided the club to the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Villarreal.
