Arsenal scored four goals in just 14 minutes as Mikel Arteta’s side put Atlético Madrid to the sword, extending their 100% record in the Champions League, with the summer signing of Viktor Gyokeres also ending their goal drought.
Viktor Gyokeres scores brace for Arsenal in 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone’s Atlético settled in from the start and were determined to make life very difficult for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Except for a few flashes of promising play, with both teams hitting the crossbar, Atlético outplayed Arteta’s men in the first half. The Gunners largely struggled to create a clear opening, but after 57 minutes the floodgates opened for Arsenal.
Gabriel Magalhaes headed in the first of the Arsenal quartet in a scintillating second half. His compatriot, Gabriel Martinelli, thanks to the excellent work of Myles Lewis-Skelly, then added a second in the 64th minute before Gyokeres scored a quickfire brace in the 67th and 70th minutes to leave Simeone’s side reeling.
Atlético had scored seven goals in their first two Champions League matches but rarely seemed to threaten Arsenal’s backline as Arteta’s men recorded a third clean sheet in as many matches in Europe and a fourth in a row in all competitions.
Eberechi Eze could also have got on the scoresheet, having seen a looping strike off David Hancko’s ankle and past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, before the summer signing was denied a first Champions League goal by the bar.
The headlines will belong to Gyokeres, who ended his seven-game goalless run in all competitions thanks to some expert poaching in the box.
The Swede, who has been criticized for his lack of goal involvement in recent times, breathed a huge sigh of relief after scoring his first from close range, before feeding on Gabriel’s headed assist to score a second.
The former Sporting CP star can now kick on and put his drought behind him, but he has serious competition for the title of Arsenal’s best player against Atlético.
Paul Merson praises ‘exceptional’ Bukayo Saka in Arsenal win
Alongside Gyokeres, £195,000-a-week winger Bukayo Saka has also made his mark, notably in the top 45.
The England international linked up well with Jurrien Timber on Arsenal’s right side and proved a constant threat to David Hancko, Koke and Nico Gonzalez.
Although Saka was not rewarded with a goal or assist to show for his efforts, the 24-year-old, who has discussed a new deal with N5, was praised for his attacking performance by club legend Paul Merson.
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Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid – more shots |
Total |
|---|---|
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Bukayo Saka |
5 |
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Gabriel Magalhaes |
3 |
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Viktor Gyokeres |
3 |
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Julien Alvarez |
3 |
|
God bless you |
2 |
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via Which side scored |
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Merson was overseeing the Arsenal clash on Sky Sports News, commentating on each of the goals, and he was delighted with a delightful interplay that threatened to expose Atlético in the first half.
Saka was at the heart of it all, with Merson calling Saka “outstanding” and “by far the best player on the pitch”, adding that the Hale End sensation had Koke “toast”. [20:28].
As usual, Saka played his part massively, and Arteta will be pleased that the player’s hamstring injuries are well and truly behind him.
The striker also captained Arsenal on a forgettable night for the north Londoners, who reached the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League, before being knocked out by eventual winners PSG.
Watching Arsenal sweep aside their European opponent so far, it’s entirely fair to suggest that they could reach this stage again, or even go further.
Arsenal join PSG and last season’s beaten finalists Inter Milan on nine points from the nine available, with Arteta seriously on course for the last 16.
