Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was full of praise after watching his side crush Atletico Madrid 4–0 in a thrilling Champions League encounter at the Emirates.
The Gunners produced a masterclass in attacking football, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres (brace) finding the net on a memorable night in north London.
Despite a tense first half that ended goalless and Atletico hitting the crossbar early in the second, Arsenal exploded into life after Gabriel broke the deadlock with a powerful header. Moments later, Martinelli doubled the lead with a smart finish, before Gyokeres sealed the victory with a brilliant brace.
Arteta credited his players’ bravery and creativity for unlocking one of Europe’s most disciplined defences.
“We talked about it against a team that is so organised,” Arteta said after the match. “To disorganise them, you have to do something that is not in the book and we cannot do it through just the pass or just certain patterns. You have to do it by finding that inspiration, those magic moments that we generated throughout the game in different ways. I’m really happy that the team can step up and create those moments.
“It’s a low-scoring sport, so we need to be the best defensively, and the best in attack. That means to be able to score from different angles, from different ways, from different players. We are certainly improving in that category as well.
“I think the overall performance was incredible, the way we dominated and we earned the right to win it and then the efficiency, which at this level in the Champions League is something key.”
For Arteta, seeing Gyokeres end his goal drought with two strikes was the perfect finish to a brilliant performance. The Swedish forward’s goals sparked emotional celebrations, showing the togetherness of the squad.
“I’m so happy for him, because if there is a player that deserves credit and a big smile on his face, I think that’s him,” Mikel added. “What he brings to the team is phenomenal. Today he scored two and you could see his smile, you could see his teammates around him, how happy they were with that, and his manager as well.
“It’s a big win against a big opponent, on a big Champions League night. We are really happy and proud of the way the team performed, collectively and individually, and obviously with the result that we got.”
Arsenal’s victory not only showcased their growing confidence in Europe but also reinforced their status as genuine contenders for continental glory this season.
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