In the end it was four. It should have been at least double that as the Gunners ruthlessly reacquainted themselves with European football’s elite club tournament with this efficient dismantling of PSV Eindhoven.
This was Arsenal’s first venture back into the Champions League since 2016. Boy did they make up for lost time.
After the long hiatus, you’d forgive supporters for simply being grateful at being back in the big time.
On this evidence – that would be selling themselves short. If this awesome showing is anything to go by then Arsenal will go long into this tournament.
For now, though, it is only fair to eulogise over a night and performance that will live long in the memory.
The Champions League anthem was greeted with a euphoric roar from the Emirates faithful. The club even printed the lyrics to the unmistakable hymn in the match-day programme. How they’ve missed these nights.
The teeming rain couldn’t dampen the spirits; Arsenal were back where they feel they belong and were shouting it from the rooftops – PSV their sorry victims.
‘It was a beautiful night after such a long time,’ said head coach Mikel Arteta, who once again started David Raya ahead of long-term No 1 Aaron Ramsdale.
‘It was great to hear the Champions League music – we were emotional. I was emotional – but we managed to take the emotion out of it. We were exceptional tonight.’
