Arsenal showcased their European pedigree with a 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid at the Emirates, led by a commanding display from Gabriel Magalhaes and a long-awaited brace from Viktor Gyokeres. Three of the Gunners’ four goals came from set-pieces, underlining Mikel Arteta’s tactical precision and Arsenal’s growing reputation as “Set-piece FC” in Europe.
Arsenal dismantle Atletico with set-piece precision
Arsenal produced a complete performance in their 4-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, combining defensive control with ruthless set-piece efficiency. Gabriel Magalhaes stole the show with a goal and an assist, while Viktor Gyokeres finally rediscovered his scoring touch in a result that cemented the Gunners’ place among Europe’s elite.
The match began with Arsenal asserting early dominance. Eberechi Eze almost opened the scoring within five minutes when his deflected strike rattled the crossbar. Atletico briefly threatened through Julian Alvarez, who nearly punished a David Raya blunder, but his effort flashed wide. Arsenal’s persistence paid off after the break, as they dismantled Diego Simeone’s side with clinical precision.
Declan Rice’s pinpoint free-kick delivery allowed Gabriel to head home the opener in the 56th minute, setting off a devastating 13-minute spell that saw Arsenal score three more. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s lung-bursting run and pass set up Gabriel Martinelli for the second, before Gyokeres pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box to make it 3-0. The Swede added a second soon after, again from a Rice set-piece, as Gabriel turned provider to round off a masterclass in efficiency and aggression.
Gabriel leads by example
Gabriel Magalhaes delivered a defensive and attacking display that encapsulated Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta. His towering header broke the deadlock and his crucial blocks ensured Atletico’s brief flurries came to nothing. Moments after scoring, he denied a goal-bound effort with a sprawling clearance — an embodiment of his relentless determination.
The Brazilian’s assist for Gyokeres’ second underlined his leadership and awareness, helping Arsenal maintain control even as Simeone’s men began to lose composure. With each passing week, Gabriel is proving himself not just as a defensive anchor but as one of the most complete centre-backs in Europe.
Gyokeres silences the critics
It had been a frustrating few weeks for Viktor Gyokeres, whose work rate had yet to be matched by end product. That changed emphatically on Tuesday. His first goal may have been scrappy, bundled in from close range, but it lifted a weight off his shoulders. His second, coming minutes later from a perfectly timed run and finish at the back post, was the kind of instinctive strike that earned him his move to Arsenal in the first place.
The relief was visible as teammates mobbed him in celebration. More than just a return to scoring form, it felt like the start of a resurgence — one that could add another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal as the season progresses.
Rice and Lewis-Skelly drive midfield control
Declan Rice once again proved why he’s the heartbeat of this Arsenal side. His deliveries from dead-ball situations were unerring, directly contributing to two goals. Beyond that, his composure in midfield and ability to dictate tempo ensured Arsenal never lost grip of the match.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, deployed at left-back, was outstanding. The academy graduate combined defensive solidity with attacking intent, setting up Martinelli’s strike and shutting down Atletico’s wide threats. His confidence and maturity belied his age, and his performance will give Arteta plenty to consider going forward.
Defensive solidity and Raya’s risky moments
While the scoreline suggests dominance, David Raya’s evening was far from serene. A nervy moment in the first half nearly gifted Atletico an opener, and the Spaniard looked shaky under pressure. Fortunately, Arsenal’s backline — anchored by William Saliba and the imperious Gabriel — stood firm, snuffing out any danger and ensuring a clean sheet that reflected the overall balance of the performance.
Jurrien Timber also impressed, pushing forward intelligently and helping maintain Arsenal’s attacking rhythm. His recovery pace was key in keeping Atletico’s few counterattacks from materialising.
Arteta’s tactical blueprint shines
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continue to evolve into a well-drilled, ruthless machine in Europe. The Gunners’ dominance from set-pieces — three of four goals coming from dead-ball situations — is no coincidence. Under Arteta’s direction and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s precision planning, Arsenal have turned restarts into one of their most lethal weapons.
Speaking after the match, Arteta praised his team’s resilience and focus:
It was a high-intensity game, especially in the first half. But once we found our rhythm, the execution from set-pieces and transitions was top class. We showed character, control, and ambition — that’s the Arsenal we want to see.
The Spaniard’s sideline energy may sometimes cross into theatrical, but his fingerprints are all over this Arsenal team — disciplined, fearless, and efficient.
European contenders, not pretenders
This emphatic victory reinforced Arsenal’s growing reputation as genuine Champions League contenders. They were relentless, tactically sharp, and full of belief — everything that was missing in previous European campaigns. From Gabriel’s commanding presence to Gyokeres’ long-awaited breakthrough, the night belonged entirely to Arteta’s men.
The Emirates crowd roared their approval as the final whistle blew, sensing this is more than just a team in form — it’s a team built to conquer Europe.
