Arsenal dismantle Atletico Madrid 4–0.(Courtesy)
By Kimberly Kalusi
Arsenal produced a blistering second-half performance to dismantle Atletico Madrid 4–0 and maintain their flawless start in the Champions League, marking their 100th victory in the competition in emphatic fashion.
After dominating much of the opening half without reward, Mikel Arteta’s side found their rhythm after the break, with Gabriel opening the scoring before a ruthless six-minute spell saw Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres seal the win and send the Emirates into raptures.
Arsenal’s intent was clear early on. Ebere Eze rattled the crossbar within five minutes, and Bukayo Saka was denied by a quick-thinking Jan Oblak as the hosts carved open Diego Simeone’s usually disciplined defence. Despite the pressure, Atletico nearly punished a defensive lapse when Julian Alvarez’s effort rolled agonisingly wide of David Raya’s post.
The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute. Declan Rice whipped in a teasing free-kick, and Gabriel rose unmarked to nod home the opener — sparking the floodgates. Moments later, Myles Lewis-Skelly surged through midfield before teeing up Martinelli, who coolly slotted in off the upright for 2–0.
Just three minutes later, Gyökeres got in on the act, bundling home after a deflection from Eze’s volley. The Swedish striker then added his second — and Arsenal’s fourth — from close range following another Rice set-piece, leaving Oblak helpless once again.
From there, it was a masterclass in control as Arteta rotated his squad, with the Gunners comfortably seeing out the contest to extend their remarkable defensive record — nine consecutive home Champions League matches without conceding under Arteta.
The victory cements Arsenal’s place at the top of their group with nine points from three games, leaving them on the verge of qualification for the last 16 for the third straight season.
Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in Premier League action on Sunday before facing Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round next Wednesday.
