This was not a game that will live long in the memory - and for Mikel Arteta that is no a bad thing.
Arsenal leave Eindhoven with a point from a dead-rubber Champions League game, but more importantly without any major injury concerns, other than Mohamed Elneny limping off with a hamstring issue.
The Gunners are already without five first-team players and the last thing Arteta wanted was to add to that list.
There was a chance of that happening too, as the Spaniard opted to name a fairly strong side despite Arsenal already being confirmed as Group B winners.
Regular centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba both played, which is a sign of how short Arsenal are on options there. That was underlined in the second-half, when Declan Rice was brought on for Saliba.
The Gunners have impressed on their return to the Champions League, especially in attack. Before Tuesday night, they had scored 15 goals in five games - including six against Lens last month.
That win was a scintillating attacking display and in contrast this was a rather drab affair. Both sides had nothing to play for and at times the match had the feel of a pre-season friendly. The goals were moments of quality, though.
Before this game all the talk was about Arsenal’s academy as it was thought one of the three youngsters who travelled - Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters - could play.
Arsenal’s goal was indeed a product of their academy, but not as expected. Reiss Nelson combined with Eddie Nketiah, and the latter finished well with his left foot.
Nelson was Arsenal’s best player on the night and arguably deserved a goal himself. He has struggled for chances this season, but took his opportunity here in Eindhoven. The winger was bright and sharp, causing problems by twisting his opposite number inside out.
It was PSV’s own winger who got them on level terms as Yorbe Vertessen curled home well after being given too much space in the box. That was no more than the Dutch side deserved, as they twice hit the woodwork and Gabriel made a heroic block to keep them out early on.
Far tougher tests lie ahead for Arsenal in the next round, but they have impressed up until this point and the fact this was a meaningless game was down to their hard work earlier on in the group stage.
Now they must get ready for four Premier League games in 15 days, starting with Brighton on Sunday.
