Méndez fires PSV in front

PSV Eindhoven took an important step towards reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three years with a 1-0 win against Arsenal FC in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Arsenal pay
PSV had spent the first half on the back foot but made Arsenal pay for failing to take their chances when Edison Méndez drilled low past Jens Lehmann midway through the second half. The goal caused a tense finale which PSV survived thanks largely to the excellence of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and sets up a thrilling second leg in two weeks' time.

Attack minded
It was almost a year to the day since Arsenal beat Real Madrid CF at this stage last season to begin their run to the final. A dramatic away victory instilled belief in a young side then and Arsène Wenger looked to seize the initiative again by partnering Thierry Henry with Emmanuel Adebayor up front in a change from the 4-5-1 formation that proved so effective last term.

Party atmosphere
Without injured top scorer Jefferson Farfán, PSV coach Ronald Koeman had no such luxury, but the Peruvian's absence did nothing to diminish the party atmosphere in the PSV Stadium on the last night of the Eindhoven Carnival. Fancy dress added colour to the crescendo that greeted PSV's early attacks yet it was Arsenal who worked the first opening on 14 minutes.

Rosický chance
Henry's pass was deflected to Tomáš Rosický whose shot crept under goalkeeper Gomes only to be hacked clear by Carlos Salcido. PSV were giving the ball away too easily and not until the 21st minute did they carve out a clear sight of goal, Lehmann blocking Méndez's snapshot from distance.

Living dangerously
Arsenal, though, were in the ascendant and PSV had Manuel Da Costa to thank for a series of last-ditch interventions as the English side passed crisply on the edge of the area. The Gunners were finding their range, and Henry and Rosický both went close before the Frenchman spurned a terrific opportunity to put his team ahead on 43 minutes, firing straight at Gomes after turning his marker on the penalty spot.

Méndez stunner
PSV pressed higher after the interval and finally got behind the Arsenal defence on 53 minutes when Phillip Cocu's raking pass picked out Arouna Koné. The Ivory Coast forward shot first time but dragged his attempt wide. He made amends eight minutes later, however, laying the ball off to Méndez who drilled low beyond Lehmann to give PSV the advantage.

Chinese arrival
PSV cheers grew louder still on 65 minutes to greet the arrival of substitute Sun Xiang, who became the first Chinese player to appear in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal, who should have been in front by the break, were now chasing the game and they responded well.

Carnival celebrations
On 69 minutes, Gomes leapt spectacularly to tip over Cesc Fabregas's drive, then five minutes later dived to grasp Adebayor's header. Arsenal, though, could not find a way through, with the Brazilian keeper and compatriot Alex in the heart of the defence fittingly ensuring the Carnival celebrations would carry on long into the night.