Arsenal crush Atlético Madrid to maintain perfect Champions League start

Arsenal delivered a commanding second half performance to dismantle Atlético Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium, extending their unbeaten run in the Champions League and all competitions to six matches.

The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, now sit atop their group with nine points from three games, joining PSG and Inter Milan as early frontrunners for the knockout stages.

The match began with high intensity, and Arsenal nearly took the lead inside five minutes. Eberechi Eze, lively throughout, created space on the edge of the box and saw his deflected shot loop over Jan Oblak, only to be denied by the crossbar.

Declan Rice followed up but his effort bounced over the frame. Atlético responded with a few half chances, including a long range strike from Julian Alvarez after a misjudged clearance by David Raya, but the visitors failed to capitalize.

Arsenal had a goal ruled out for offside just before the break, with Gabriel Martinelli converting Bukayo Saka’s cross, only for the flag to intervene. Atlético also struck the woodwork early in the second half through Alvarez, but it was Arsenal who seized control in devastating fashion.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Martinelli won a free-kick on the touchline. Rice delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, and Gabriel rose unmarked to head past Oblak for the opener.

Just seven minutes later, Arsenal doubled their lead through Martinelli, who finished off a brilliant solo run from teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly. The England youth international drove through midfield, dragging four Atlético players with him before releasing Martinelli, who curled his shot into the far corner.

Viktor Gyökeres, who had gone 38 days without a goal, then stole the spotlight with a quickfire brace. His first came in the 67th minute after Eze’s volley was blocked, and the ball fell kindly for the Swedish striker, whose shot deflected off David Hancko and into the net.

Three minutes later, Gyökeres bundled in another from close range after Rice’s corner was nodded down by Gabriel, sealing a remarkable turnaround and taking his Champions League tally to eight goals in 11 appearances.

Atlético, who had scored seven goals in their previous two group matches, were left stunned and failed to mount any meaningful response.

Arsenal’s defense remained resolute, recording their third consecutive clean sheet in Europe and fourth in all competitions. They have now conceded just three goals in 12 matches this season.