Arsenal: Oleksandr Zinchenko poised for midfield swan song as Gunners get timely Ben White boost | OneFootball

Arsenal produced a professional performance in their Champions League last-16 second leg

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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If they hadn’t already, Arsenal fans can get booking their flights to Madrid.

This second leg was a far more balanced game, albeit it, unsurprisingly, had the feel of a pre-season games at times.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action..

Zinchenko takes his chance in midfield

Oleksandr Zinchenko has had to wait nearly three seasons, but he was finally handed a start in midfield against PSV.

Until now, the Ukrainian has been used as a left-back by Arteta - although that stance has changed in recent weeks.

Zinchenko had come on in midfield in the previous three games before PSV and he was duly given a start there on Wednesday night.

It was born out of necessity, with Arsenal’s midfield options impacted by injuries in the forward line.

Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino would ordinarily come in and play as No8s, but they are needed in attack right now.

And, so, Zinchenko got his chance against PSV - and he made the most of it. Within six minutes he was on the scoresheet, lashing an effort from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

The 28-year-old will have one year left on his contract in the summer and is expected to leave, but not, perhaps, before a swan song in midfield?

Sterling shines

It has been a difficult loan spell for Raheem Sterling, but this was a night for him to savour.

There was a zip about the winger’s performance that has been missing all season and he setup Arsenal’s opening goal.

Latching onto a flick on by Mikel Merino, Sterling spun his marker and found Zinchenko - who finished well from just outside the box.

Raheem Sterling claimed two assists in Arsenal’s draw with PSV

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Half an hour later, Sterling had another assist. This time, he burst past two players on the right flank before picking out Declan Rice with a cross.

The 30-year-old almost rounded off a perfect first half by getting on the scoresheet. Put through by Zinchenko from the halfway line, he raced forward but PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez stayed big to deny him.

The two assists means Sterling has now been involved in 45 Champions League goals, a tally only bettered by three English players (David Beckham, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney).

White returns to the fold

There was, unsurprisingly, a bit of rust about Ben White’s performance as he made his first start since November.

The right-back underwent surgery then and he only returned to action last month, making three appearances off the bench.

Arsenal have been carefully building up White’s minutes, but he was handed a start here as he continues his comeback.

Boost: Ben White

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Given Thomas Tuchel is due to name his first England squad on Friday, it was timely.

White looked like he was still getting up to speed at times and, especially in the first half, he was caught of position.

He improved as the game went on and the 80 minutes or so he got under his belt should stand him in good stead.