Arsenal continued their flawless start to the UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Viktor Gyokeres finally rediscovered his scoring touch, netting twice in a 13-minute blitz that sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s men. The Swedish striker, who joined from Sporting Lisbon to lead Arsenal’s attack, had endured a nine-game goal drought before finding the net against Diego Simeone’s struggling side.
Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s free-kick, while Gabriel Martinelli added the second before halftime with a precise finish into the far corner. Gyokeres then struck twice the first via a deflection off David Hancko and the second a close-range tap-in from another Gabriel header to complete the demolition.
The Gunners’ latest triumph makes them one of only three clubs alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan to maintain a perfect record with nine points from their opening three group matches. Arsenal’s form under Arteta has been remarkable, with the Premier League leaders conceding just three goals in 12 matches across all competitions this season.
Despite an initially competitive first half, Atletico faltered badly after the break. Julian Alvarez missed two clear chances for the visitors failing to capitalize on a poor David Raya clearance and later striking the crossbar. Eberechi Eze also came close for Arsenal before the breakthrough came from another trademark set piece.
Atletico Madrid’s poor away form continued as they remain winless on the road this season. Tuesday’s heavy defeat will add to the pressure on Simeone, whose side has now suffered back-to-back losses in England following their defeat to Liverpool last month.
After reaching last season’s semi-finals their best run since 2009 Arsenal appear even stronger this term following another summer of major investment. Arteta’s depth was evident as he rotated key players late in the game, resting Gyokeres, Gabriel, Eze, Timber, and Zubimendi ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
With their perfect record intact and their striker back in form, Arsenal look poised to mount a serious challenge for their first-ever Champions League title.
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