Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany couldn’t hide his unease after watching Arsenal dismantle Atletico Madrid 4–0 in their Champions League clash. The Gunners, who have now won three consecutive games in the competition, looked unstoppable in the second half, leaving Kompany admitting that both he and his players are worried about facing one particular Arsenal star in their next European meeting. Arsenal’s performance was nothing short of commanding — the kind that sends a warning across Europe.
The match began with Arsenal on the front foot, testing Atletico’s defense early. Eberechi Eze came close when his deflected shot hit the bar, and Declan Rice nearly capitalized on the rebound. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s attempt also went wide before the game settled into a familiar pattern, with Atletico defending deep and looking to strike on the counter. Arsenal had a close call when David Raya almost gifted them a goal, but Julian Alvarez’s curling effort missed narrowly. It was a warning that didn’t go unheeded by the home side.
Bukayo Saka continued to trouble Atletico’s backline, setting up a goal for Gabriel Martinelli that was eventually ruled out for offside. Before the break, Saka missed another chance with a header, but Arsenal’s persistence paid off in the second half. Despite a few questionable refereeing decisions — including a generous free-kick that led to the opening goal — Arsenal took full advantage. Declan Rice delivered a pinpoint set-piece, and Gabriel rose to nod home the opener, setting the tone for what was to come.
Arsenal’s second came moments later through sheer brilliance. Lewis-Skelly, showing flashes of youthful audacity, sliced through Atletico’s midfield and slipped the perfect pass to Martinelli, who finished first-time with precision. It was the kind of goal that lifts a crowd and breaks an opponent’s spirit. Even Arteta, on the touchline, could only smile and shrug as if to say, “That’s football.” It was a move of rare quality — simple, direct, and devastating.
Barely two minutes later, Viktor Gyökeres ended his goal drought with Arsenal’s third. His finish wasn’t the cleanest — a scuffed strike that trickled through a defender’s legs — but it was enough. The pass from Martin Zubimendi in the buildup was a gem, rewarding his tireless effort throughout the night. And just when Atletico thought the storm had passed, another wave hit. A Rice corner found Gabriel again, who nodded across goal for Gyökeres to bundle home his second. It was ugly but effective, and at 4–0, the contest was well and truly over.
Atletico managed a late shot on target, but Raya handled it easily, sealing yet another clean sheet. The Gunners’ four-goal blitz in just 13 minutes transformed what had been a balanced contest into a rout. Arteta’s men looked ruthless, efficient, and full of confidence — the kind of performance that makes even elite coaches like Kompany anxious. With every goal, Arsenal’s growing dominance in Europe became clearer, a reminder that this team is not just competing but commanding.
Arteta, beaming after the match, praised his players for their discipline and aggression. He highlighted Gyökeres’ contribution, noting how the striker’s movement and work rate opened up space for others. Simeone, visibly deflated, admitted that Arsenal were the best team his side had faced this season, acknowledging their energy and quality all over the pitch. For Atletico, it was a humbling night; for Arsenal, a statement of intent.
Arsenal’s Champions League record at home now borders on the absurd — nine straight group-stage wins without conceding a single goal since their return to the competition. The Emirates has become a fortress, exactly as Arteta envisioned. This victory may get buried under other wild European scorelines, but its impact will linger. For Arsenal, it’s more than three points; it’s belief made tangible. And for Bayern’s Kompany, watching from afar, it’s reason enough to fear the storm that awaits.
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