The Emirates Stadium witnessed history on Wednesday night as Arsenal became the first team to navigate the new Champions League league phase with a flawless 100% record.
A 3-2 victory over Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty secured their eighth consecutive win in the competition, though the scoreline suggested a tighter affair than the early dominance promised.
Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock almost immediately, but the visitors struck back quickly through a Jorginho penalty.
However, a triumphant return for Kai Havertz and a clinical finish from Gabriel Martinelli put the Gunners in the driver’s seat.
Despite a late consolation goal for Kairat in stoppage time, Mikel Arteta’s side safely advanced to the last-16 as the top seeds.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6)
Making a rare European appearance, the Spaniard was largely a spectator for much of the evening. He was sent the wrong way for the penalty and could do little about the late headed goal. His biggest battle was likely against the London chill rather than the Kairat attack.
Ben White (7)
Donning the captain’s armband, White operated with total freedom. He was frequently spotted in advanced positions and provided the delivery that led to Havertz’s goal. His defensive duties were minimal, allowing him to focus on supporting the attack.
Cristhian Mosquera (8)
The summer signing produced a commanding performance, physically dominating the Kairat frontline. He was aggressive in his duels and stepped out of defense with confidence, further cementing his status as an elite backup option for the Gunners’ backline.
Riccardo Calafiori (5)
A difficult night for the Italian, who looked off the pace following his return from injury. A clumsy tug in the box gifted Kairat their early equalizer, and he struggled to find his rhythm before being substituted at the break to manage his minutes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (7)
The youngster looked much more comfortable on the ball than in previous outings. His link-up play with the left-sided attackers was a highlight, and he wasn’t afraid to test the goalkeeper from distance, showing the confidence Arteta appreciates.
Christian Norgaard (8)
Thriving in his preferred deep-lying role, Norgaard was the heartbeat of the midfield. He provided a sublime flick to assist Havertz and consistently broke the lines with his passing. He was unlucky not to finish the night with multiple assists.
Eberechi Eze (7)
A creative spark throughout his time on the pitch. Eze led the match in chances created and nearly set up a goal in the very first minute. While he lacked the final clinical touch himself, his ability to manipulate space in tight areas was vital.
Kai Havertz (8)
A perfect return for the German after nearly a year on the sidelines. He looked sharp from the whistle, setting up the opener before curling in a beautiful goal of his own. He was rested at halftime, having already done the heavy lifting.
Noni Madueke (6)
A performance of “what ifs.” Madueke’s dribbling and footwork were frequently electrifying, leaving defenders for dead, but his final ball and finishing lacked the composure needed to truly punish the opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres (6)
A bizarre evening for the Swede. He showcased his power with an emphatic finish in the second minute but proceeded to miss a hatful of clear-cut opportunities before the interval. He remained a physical menace but will be disappointed not to have left with the match ball.
Gabriel Martinelli (7)
The Brazilian continues his love affair with the Champions League, moving closer to club records with another European goal. He was a persistent thorn in Kairat’s side, buzzing around the left flank and making intelligent runs into the box.
Substitutes
Piero Hincapie (7): Replaced Calafiori at half-time and provided much-needed stability. He was positionally sound and kept things simple as Arsenal looked to see out the result.
Martin Odegaard (6): The skipper missed two headed chances he would usually bury and lacked his typical laser-like precision with his passing.
Brando Bailey-Joseph (6): A memorable debut for the 17-year-old, who didn’t look out of place during his brief cameo.
Gabriel Jesus (5): A frustrating run-out for the forward, who squandered two major chances and was denied another by the offside flag.
Ife Ibrahim (N/A): Introduced in the final minutes to help close out the historic win.