We'd have liked to have won this one, but it kind of felt like a win after an under-strength 10-man Arsenal dominated the second half, and a late win for Auxerre against Dortmund put us through as group winners.

PSV should have been more adventurous, especially once Kolo Toure had been sent off for 2 pretty obvious bookings. His challenges on Rommedahl were both clumsy and both late, and both denied him the ball in dangerous positions. If PSV were counting on Auxerre failing to beat the Germans it was a bad mistake, especially if they'd seen how the French side played against us.

Arsenal started with a scary back 5 of Shaaban, Toure (at left back), Cygan, Stepanovs, and Luzhny. Toure likes to play anywhere, but he is not a left back, and Gio looked much more comfortable there once he moved back to cover the gap left by the red card. But on the other side of the pitch Oleg had one of his best games for us. But then, he wasn't facing Rommedahl (who did his best to get another couple of Gunners sent off later with some diving and moaning). In the middle Cygan looked good, but he had to be as Stepanovs was woeful. Shabaan didn't have a lot to do. But he did it well including one excellent stop with his feet and a few brave claims. Stuart Taylor might be miffed if the newcomer is considered to have shown enough to oust him for the derby game on Saturday, though.

Jeffers started up front with Henry, and missed the best chance of the game in the first half when Pires put him through down the middle. Jeffers' had loads of space to run into but his (unnecessary) second touch touch the ball too close to the outrushing keeper, who managed to get a touch on the shot and send it out for a corner.

For the record, midfield was Pires, Vieira, Edu, and Gio (till he moved back into defence). Also worth mentioning one of the strongest subs benches ever, with Bergkamp, Cole, Wiltord, Gilberto, and Freddie Ljungberg on it!

Our best spell of play came in the second half after the strike pair had been replaced by Wiltord and Bergkamp. They both had half-chances, and Pires was instrumental throughout despite being dumped on the ground every time he got the ball.

PSV should have concentrated less on fouling us and more on trying to bamboozle out makeshift defence. They only really got going once they heard that Auxerre had scored, but by then they didn't have much time left. They've only got themselves to blame for their early exit from Europe.

The situation regarding Friday's draw will be clearer after tomorrow's games. What we do know is that the seeding is done by UEFA rankings not by results this year, so Arsenal will be in the second group of 4. It looks to us like we're guaranteed to face one of the top 4 ranked teams, which means one of Valencia Barcelona and Real Madrid (the 4th team in that group being Man Utd who we will avoid through being from the same country).

You will no doubt be aware that Liverpool recovered from 3-0 down to draw in Basel, but still go out. But they're not completely robbed of the distraction of Europe, as they'll probably have a decent UEFA Cup run now.

Anyone still want van Bommel? Didn't show much today, did he?