Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal crushed Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates to move closer to the Champions League knockout stage.
Arsenal began brightly. Eberechi Eze’s deflected shot looped over Jan Oblak but struck the bar.
Declan Rice volleyed over soon after. Atletico briefly threatened when David Raya’s poor clearance gifted possession to Julian Alvarez, whose curling shot narrowly missed the open goal.
Gabriel Martinelli had a goal ruled out for offside before half-time, while Alvarez again hit the woodwork just after the break.
The Gunners found their rhythm in the second half. Gabriel Magalhaes headed in Rice’s free-kick on 57 minutes. Martinelli doubled the lead seven minutes later, finishing off a slick move with a low shot off the far post.
Gyokeres then stole the show. His first came after a sharp turn and a deflection off David Hancko wrong-footed Oblak. Three minutes later, he bundled in from close range after William Saliba nodded the ball down inside the box.
Arsenal were dominant throughout the second period, blending control with ruthless finishing. The win keeps their European hopes on track and marks Gyokeres’ first Champions League goals for the club.
Martinelli’s fine run continued too. He has now scored in three straight European matches, matching his tally from his previous 18 games in the competition.
Atletico, meanwhile, were outclassed. They created little after the break and struggled to cope with Arsenal’s pace and pressing. The result leaves them with work to do if they are to qualify from the group.
It was another statement win for Mikel Arteta’s side, powerful, organised, and clinical when it mattered.
