Arsenal responded to their weekend defeat at Villa Park in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Club Brugge 3-0 to complete a perfect Champions League group stage campaign. With qualification already secured, Mikel Arteta's side could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas, but they produced a professional and clinical display to make it six wins from six.
Mikel Arteta: "We wanted to finish the group stage in the right way. Winning becomes a habit, and after Saturday, it was important to react immediately. To win all six games in the Champions League is a big achievement and shows the level of consistency we are reaching."
The Gunners started on the front foot, controlling possession and silencing the Jan Breydelstadion crowd. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute through Noni Madueke. The winger, cutting in from the right, unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from outside the box that flew past the goalkeeper, assisted by the influential Martín Zubimendi. It was a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone for the evening.
Arsenal continued to dominate but had to wait until just after the break to double their lead. In the 47th minute, Madueke grabbed his second of the night. Zubimendi was again the provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that Madueke headed home, showcasing his aerial ability to add to his shooting prowess.
The game was put to bed in the 56th minute with the goal of the night. Gabriel Martinelli picked up the ball from young Myles Lewis-Skelly, drove at the defense, and curled a magnificent right-footed shot into the top corner. It was a signature finish from the Brazilian and capped a fine team performance.
The result ensures Arsenal head into the Round of 16 as one of the competition's most feared sides. The clean sheet was an added bonus, as was the performance of youngsters like Lewis-Skelly who looked at home on the European stage.
Mikel Arteta: "Noni was fantastic tonight. He offered us so much threat and took his goals really well. And Gabi's finish was special. But I'm also really pleased with the young players who came in. Myles showed great maturity for the assist. It's a good night for the club."
Noni Madueke: "It feels great to contribute with two goals. We wanted to bounce back after the Villa game and we did that. Six out of six in the group is a statement. We're ready for whoever we face in the next round."
The Man of the Match award goes to Noni Madueke. A brace and a constant threat down the right flank, he was the difference-maker on the night. His first goal broke the deadlock and settled any nerves, while his second killed the game off. A standout performance.
Arsenal now return to domestic duties, hosting Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 13, looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
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