Arsenal maintain perfect start in Champions League

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Arsenal 4 - 0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal scored four times in a dazzling 14-minute spell to sweep aside Atletico Madrid 

Author | DJ

Stadium | Emirates Stadium

Champions League | Arsenal v Atlético Madrid | Home players celebrate

The home side began with intent, as Eberechi Eze’s deflected shot clipped the crossbar, while Julian Alvarez almost punished David Raya from long range after the goalkeeper ventured out of position. For much of the first half, the contest was tight and tactical, with few clear chances at either end.

Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock on 57 minutes, rising to head in Declan Rice’s precise free-kick and spark a remarkable surge. Gabriel Martinelli added a second with a curling finish after a driving run from Myles Lewis-Skelly, before Viktor Gyokeres bundled home to end his seven-game goal drought. The Swedish striker struck again moments later, turning in Gabriel’s knockdown from another Arsenal corner.

The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s team with three wins from three and still yet to concede in this season’s competition, a clear show of strength against one of Europe’s most stubborn defences.

Watch the highlights courtesy of TNT Sports

Set piece kings strike again

Arsenal’s threat from set-pieces has long been recognised, but this season they appear to have taken it to a new level.

Both Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Fulham’s Marco Silva have recently praised the Gunners’ proficiency in such situations, and it was again decisive in the win over Fulham on Saturday when a goal from a corner made the difference.

Mikel Arteta’s side have consistent quality from both flanks, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka delivering dangerous balls into the box for team-mates to attack. Since Rice’s debut in August 2023, only Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu has provided more assists from dead-ball situations across Europe’s top five leagues, with 11 to Rice’s 10.

It was a set-piece that proved vital once more when Gabriel’s header sealed a crucial Premier League victory over Newcastle last month, and the Brazilian was on target again to open the scoring against Atletico at a time when Arsenal needed inspiration. From there, Diego Simeone’s side were swept aside by a resurgent home team.

Arsenal now have 10 goals from set-pieces this season, excluding penalties. As they aim to challenge for trophies on multiple fronts, that particular weapon looks increasingly vital to their ambitions.

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