Arsenal delivered a stunning 4-0 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday, a result that followed a highly publicised pre-match row over facilities.
The controversy began on Monday when Diego Simeone’s squad was left without hot water in the dressing rooms after their training session. As a result, the Spanish side lodged a formal complaint with UEFA.
Spanish media outlet Marca reported that the squad was left “furious, surprised and confused” that a modern venue would lack such a basic requirement, forcing the players to leave the stadium in their sweaty training gear to shower at their hotel.
Arsenal swiftly issued an apology, insisting the issue was an unfortunate plumbing mistake that affected both dressing rooms.
However, the off-field tension did little to distract Mikel Arteta’s side. After a tight first half, the Gunners surged in the second, with goals from Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli before Viktor Gyökeres netted a brace to secure a comprehensive 4-0 rout.
The dominant performance ensured Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Champions League campaign.