Arsenal’s second-half onslaught sees off Atlético Madrid in statement Champions League win. Arsenal then turned a closely fought match in the champions league into a decisive 4-0 victory in an astonishing 13 minutes. This sends a strong message to the rest of Europe and continuing their winning streak in the tournament.
The Torrent of Goals
During the initial hour, the battle was an offensive battle. Arsenal began well, with the shot of Eberechi Eze missing the crossbar by a cannon in the fifth minute. Atletico however, became the game and got their own opportunities to go ahead. The most remarkable of which was when Julian Alvarez swung a magnificent shot onto the crossbar at the beginning of the second half.
It took a fashion that has become a custom in the side of Mikel Arteta to break the deadlock. Declan Rice has whipped a vicious free-kick into the box and an unmarked Gabriel Magalhaes surged to the fore to whack a header in. A classic set-piece performance, Arsenal style.
The purpose opened the dam. Again in that half only 7 minutes after that, Myles Lewis-Skelly, at the age of 19, declared himself to the great world. He did so with an almighty driving run initiated at the centre. He supplied to Gabriel Martinelli. The latter side-footed a first time finish with professional skill into the far corner to make it two goals.
The shell-shocked visitors conceded again almost immediately. Martinelli was again the provider. The ball fell to Viktor Gyökeres, who bundled it in to end a much-discussed seven-game goal drought for the club. The Swedish striker didn’t have to wait long for his second. He turned in another goal from close range just three minutes later after Gabriel nodded a Rice corner back across goal. All four goals featured a player whose name started with ‘G’ – Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gyökeres .
The Fortress and a Record
It was not only about the objectives. Another immaculate performance was on the part of the defense of Arsenal. They had a third clean sheet in three games of the season of the champions league. This is a phenomenal streak under Arteta. The Gunners have since participated in the competition won all nine of their home games in the group/league phase. They scored 27 goals and most unbelievably not having conceded any goals. It is a record of nine consecutive home clean sheets and this is the first in the history of the competition.
Author’s Opinion
This was not just three points to Arsenal. The victory over an experienced European opponent was a statement victory, which highlights their rising level of confidence and tactical maturity. However, to dismantle a team of the Atletiko calibre in a very short period of time is a great leap forward.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
