USMNT stars Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman steal the show! Duo combine for audacious assist in PSV's Champions League draw vs Arsenal

Pepi had an early chance to seize the lead but saw his shot blocked off the line, ending hopes of an early goal for PSV. Arsenal, meanwhile, took full advantage of that as they got the opener just before halftime.

A pair of academy products combined for the Gunners' opener, which came in the 41st minute. Winger Reiss Nelson teed up Eddie Nketiah, whose fantastic finish gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Early in the second half, though, PSV struck back with their own goal, with the two Americans helping to set it up. Tillman's perfectly-placed through-ball found Pepi, who broke through on the left side. The USMNT forward unselfishly laid the ball off to Yorbe Vertessen, who picked out a corner of the goal to make it 1-1.

In terms of Champions League scenarios, the match had little meaning to either side as their spots in the group were already settled before Tuesday's game.

Arsenal were locked in atop the group, having won four of their first five games to open their Champions League run.

PSV, meanwhile, locked up second place during the last matchday, having completed a big comeback against Sevilla last time out. With that win, PSV put three points between themselves and Lens, but the French side couldn't surpass PSV due to their head-to-head record in the group stage.

The assist will be a big one for Pepi, who is continuing to battle for more minutes at PSV. The American has, largely, been a backup for the club so far, having served as a substitute behind veteran striker Luuk de Jong. The Dutch striker's solid form has prevented Pepi from leapfrogging him, but any good performances from the American will only help his case for a more regular role heading into the second half of the season.

Tillman, meanwhile, has played more regularly for PSV. Tillman has thrived in the Eredivisie so far, scoring five goals and providing two assists in just 11 appearances.

The young midfielder, though, is looking to break through with the USMNT, particularly with the team leaning into a more attacking midfield in recent camps. While Gio Reyna looks most likely to play that No. 10 role, Tillman could very well get minutes there, as he did in both games during the November camp.

Sergino Dest, meanwhile, was held out for a late cameo, but that'll be no concern as the fullback remains key, despite getting a bit of a rest due to the lack of stakes in this match.

Ricardo Pepi (7/10):

Will be frustrated to have missed his early chance, but he made up for it with a very unselfish assist. A good performance for a player that needs a few of those.

Malik Tillman (7/10):

A perfect through ball to set up the goal. Passing was on point throughout, as Tillman really kept things moving for PSV from his spot in midfield.

Serigno Dest (N/A):

Came on late for a runout after being rested for the first half.

PSV will be back in action on Sunday as they visit AZ Alkmaar in league play. As things stand, AZ sit third in the league, 12 points behind league-leaders PSV, who also has a 10-point lead over second-place Feyenoord. PSV will also be looking ahead to the next stage of the Champions League, with the knockout rounds set to begin in February with the draw set for December 18.