Arsenal delivered a statement performance in the Champions League, thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium with four second-half goals in 13 minutes. Viktor Gyokeres ended his goal drought with a quickfire brace, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli also scored, extending Arsenal's perfect start to three wins and four clean sheets. The result moves the Gunners to third in the league phase standings.
A Clinical Second-Half Explosion
Arsenal dominated the first half but broke through in the 57th minute when Declan Rice's superb free-kick delivery was headed home by Gabriel Magalhaes, unmarked at the back post. The goal sparked a devastating spell as Myles Lewis-Skelly surged forward to set up Gabriel Martinelli for a curled finish in the 64th minute, making it 2-0. Viktor Gyokeres, who had gone nine games without scoring, then netted twice in three minutes—first bundling in from close range in the 67th and then converting Gabriel's knockdown from a corner in the 70th—to seal a comprehensive victory.
Atletico Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, offered resistance early on, with Julian Alvarez hitting the crossbar and forcing a save from David Raya, but managed just one shot on target. Arsenal's defense, led by William Saliba and Gabriel, remained unbreached, conceding no goals in their last four matches across all competitions.
Arteta and Gyokeres React
Mikel Arteta praised his side's response after a cagey opening: "It was a tough match. After the goal they opened up a bit and it was a little easier for us to find the spaces. Very happy with the result." On Gyokeres, he added: "Delighted as he fully deserved it. The workrate he brings to the team is outstanding."
Gyokeres reflected: "I am very pleased. They had some good opportunities but I think we controlled it overall. To score four and keep a clean sheet again is very good." The win highlights Arsenal's set-piece prowess, with 10 such goals this season, and positions them strongly in the competition.
