Arsenal moved one step closer to securing their spot in the Champions League round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard ensured a comfortable evening for Mikel Arteta’s side, who now need just a point from their final group game against Girona to guarantee automatic progression.
How the Game Unfolded
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock in just the second minute. Gabriel Martinelli’s precise cross found Kai Havertz, who cushioned the ball perfectly into the path of Declan Rice. The midfielder volleyed home to score his first Champions League goal, giving the Gunners an early lead.
The home side continued to pile on the pressure throughout the first half. Gabriel Magalhães and Havertz both came close with headers, but Dinamo Zagreb’s defense managed to prevent further damage. The visitors, however, struggled to create any meaningful attacking opportunities, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale largely untested.
The second half saw Arsenal maintain control, and they doubled their lead in the 66th minute. Martinelli was once again the provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that Havertz glanced into the net with a well-timed header.
As the game entered stoppage time, Arsenal added a third goal to cap off a dominant performance. Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross fell kindly to Martin Ødegaard, who calmly turned it into the net, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Key Talking Points
1. Arsenal’s Home Fortress
The Emirates Stadium continues to be a fortress for Arsenal in the Champions League. Since the start of last season, the Gunners have won eight home games and kept eight clean sheets in the competition—more than any other team. This defensive solidity was on full display against Dinamo Zagreb, who failed to register a single shot on target.
2. Declan Rice’s Breakthrough Moment
Declan Rice’s opening goal was a landmark moment, marking his first Champions League strike. The midfielder’s composure and technique set the tone for Arsenal’s dominant performance. His early goal, coming after just 104 seconds, was the Gunners’ fastest in the competition since Yaya Sanogo’s strike against Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
3. Kai Havertz’s Redemption Arc
Kai Havertz delivered one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. After assisting Rice’s opener, the German international scored Arsenal’s second goal, heading in Martinelli’s cross. This marked the first time Havertz had both scored and assisted in a Champions League game, showcasing his growing confidence and importance to Arteta’s side.
4. Dinamo Zagreb’s Struggles Continue
It was a tough night for Dinamo Zagreb, who failed to create any significant attacking threat. Under new manager Fabio Cannavaro, the Croatian side looked disjointed and failed to register a single shot on target for the first time in the Champions League since 2016. Their hopes of progressing now hinge on a must-win game against AC Milan.
Data Debrief: Arsenal’s Milestones
- Earliest Goal: Declan Rice’s opener after 104 seconds was Arsenal’s fastest Champions League goal in nearly a decade.
- Havertz’s Firsts: Kai Havertz scored and assisted in the same Champions League game for the first time in his career.
- Defensive Dominance: Arsenal’s clean sheet was their eighth at home in the Champions League since the start of last season.
What’s Next?
- For Arsenal: The Gunners now sit third in the table and require just one point from their final group game against Girona to secure automatic qualification for the round of 16.
- For Dinamo Zagreb: Dinamo remains in 26th place and must beat AC Milan in their final match to have any chance of climbing into the top 24 and keeping their European dreams alive.
Player of the Match: Declan Rice
Declan Rice was the standout performer, setting the tone with his early goal and dominating the midfield with his composure and work rate. His influence was pivotal in Arsenal’s victory.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb was a statement performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With just one point needed to secure their place in the last 16, the Gunners are in a commanding position. For Dinamo Zagreb, the defeat leaves them on the brink of elimination, with their fate now dependent on a must-win clash against AC Milan.
FAQs
1. How many points does Arsenal need to qualify for the round of 16?
Arsenal needs just one point from their final group game against Girona to secure their spot in the round of 16.
2. Who scored for Arsenal against Dinamo Zagreb?
Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard were the scorers for Arsenal.
3. How did Dinamo Zagreb perform?
Dinamo struggled throughout the game, failing to register a single shot on target and offering little attacking threat.
4. What’s next for Arsenal?
Arsenal will face Girona in their final group game, needing only a draw to progress.
5. How has Arsenal performed at home in the Champions League?
Since the start of last season, Arsenal has won eight home games and kept eight clean sheets in the Champions League, making the Emirates Stadium a fortress.
