LONDON — Arsenal is still on the hunt for a definitive victory to demonstrate their credentials for the Premier League title, but they have finally sealed a significant win in the UEFA Champions League.
For nearly an hour on Tuesday night, Atlético Madrid’s visit to the Emirates Stadium was the intense competition that many had anticipated. Then, an unexpected turn occurred: four goals in just 14 minutes dismantled the solid structure that Atlético coach Diego Simeone had constructed over nearly 14 years, leading to a commanding 4-0 victory for the Gunners. Although the group stage’s expanded format may lessen the significance of early results, the impact this victory could have on Arsenal’s young squad, eager to add trophies to their years of development, could be substantial.
Simeone’s team suffered a similar 4-0 loss to Benfica last season, but this level of second-half collapse is rare for them. “We competed well until Arsenal scored their first goal,” he reflected afterward. “After that, we could have defended better. They played excellently and took their chances. Set pieces are crucial in football, and they can be a deciding factor in this competition, as it often comes down to fine margins.”
“It’s not just bad luck; it’s about mistakes. They capitalized on our errors and converted their significant opportunities into goals.”
Arsenal’s effectiveness at set pieces is well-known. Despite the Premier League’s struggles to find a solution—Arsenal has scored 37 goals from corners this season alone, 16 more than any other team—many believed Simeone, one of the best defensive strategists, could manage this challenge.
Initially, it seemed that could be the case. The plan was straightforward, though difficult to execute: Prevent them from obtaining corners. Arsenal had only one corner in the first half. The breakthrough came with Declan Rice‘s free kick in the 57th minute, headed in by Gabriel Magalhães, which was Arsenal’s first real chance from a set piece that night.
This goal unleashed a torrent: Gabriel Martinelli added a stunning second goal just seven minutes later, followed by a two-goal performance from Viktor Gyökeres, who, after a 601-minute scoring drought at the club, secured a result that will certainly catch Europe’s attention. Those four goals acted more like a wake-up call than anything Atlético had dealt with the day before, when they dealt with a temporary lack of hot water following their training at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s significant summer investments have led many to believe they boast one of Europe’s strongest squads. However, while they climbed to the top of the Premier League, their performances had yet to match this expectation. This match could serve as a benchmark, a night that saw several new signings feel increasingly comfortable. Martín Zubimendi controlled midfield play decisively. Gyökeres finally got the goals that manager Mikel Arteta believed his efforts deserved, though his first was heavily deflected off Dávid Hancko and the second was a simple close-range finish.
“He earned this because of what we have seen from him in recent weeks and how much he has contributed to the team beyond just scoring goals,” Arteta commended. “It was about maintaining his self-belief and encouraging him to play freely.”
“We’ve become more unpredictable as a unit. He’s incredibly physical and a constant presence. His pressing and ball control are outstanding, and now he’s started scoring, which is crucial. Hopefully, this will build his momentum.”
Bukayo Saka expressed aspirations for winning the Ballon d’Or and becoming one of the world’s top wingers. His performance reflected this ambition, consistently posing threats down the right flank, and his off-ball efforts were equally crucial. Martinelli was also active defensively, leading with eight ball recoveries, three more than anyone else on the pitch.
While it’s still early in the season, the tide may be shifting from Simeone to Arteta as Europe’s most defensively astute coach. Arsenal has conceded only a single shot on target in their last three matches. Moreover, they have allowed just three goals in total across all competitions, putting them on pace to break several records. This is the lowest number of goals Arsenal has conceded in their first 12 matches in the club’s 138-year history.
Of course, Arteta has broken numerous club records previously only to end with nothing to show for it. What matters now is ensuring they achieve their goals. Nights like this indicate they may be in the best position ever to succeed.