UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Hiddink proud of PSV's potential

Guus Hiddink said "drive and commitment" enabled PSV Eindhoven to earn a point against Arsenal FC and qualify.

PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink was thrilled after the 1-1 draw with Arsenal FC was enough to see his side progress from the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the competition began. Rosenborg BK's 2-2 draw with Panathinaikos FC in Trondheim ensured PSV will finish in the top two while Arsenal need to defeat the Norwegian champions at Highbury on Matchday 6 to qualify. PSV went ahead through an early André Ooijer header before Arsenal levelled through Thierry Henry. The visitors were then reduced to nine men following the dismissals of Lauren and Patrick Vieira but held on for a point.

Guus Hiddidnk, PSV coach
We played with tactical discipline and this evening we had a tremendous crowd. We were watching two matches at the same time, as we had an eye on the game in Trondheim. That match influenced this result, even though we wanted to decide this match on our own terms. We had a very good start, but a squad like Arsenal is always very strong. We are very proud of the team and they are proud of themselves. The equaliser was not a surprise and now with ten points we have enough for the next phase. We changed some players from last year and the new guys have come in and fitted very well into the team. This team is a mix of drive and commitment and has tactical and mental strength. I see a lot of potential in this team.

Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
We made a very bad start, and PSV defended well with a tough, organised defence. I was pleased with the team and with the nine men who battled through. We have to accept the decisions of the referee, I can't argue with the decisions of the official. Vieira went for the ball but I can understand the referee. We will miss the two players for the next match, but the team showed great strength and we don't expect a favour from PSV, we just have to win – maybe we can still finish top of the group. You always fight harder to win the ball back when you have ten men. We played with the right attitude and our defence was stable but PSV were strong in the air. After our goal we played a better match.

Click here for a full explanation of the state of play in Groups E-H.

Selected for you