Arsenal one step away from Champions League knockouts after Zagreb win | OneFootball

Arsenal have almost ensured their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the challenges they faced. Despite the result, injuries and recent domestic frustrations loomed large over Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners came flying out of the blocks, with Declan Rice hammering home a half-volley in just the third minute after Kai Havertz’s deft layoff from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross. It was a moment of quality from Rice, who continues to prove why he has become indispensable. “So conscious, so reliable,” Arteta said of the midfielder post-match. “He can create that spice we need.”

Yet Arsenal’s fast start didn’t lead to the goal-fest fans might have hoped for. Dinamo Zagreb, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, grew into the game, frustrating Arsenal with their defensive organisation. Gabriel Magalhães and Rice missed chances to extend the lead, with the latter heading wide from Ethan Nwaneri’s inviting cross.

The breakthrough Arsenal needed came in the second half when Havertz nodded home his 14th goal of the season. Martinelli was again the architect, delivering a pinpoint cross for the German, who has been in resurgent form this week. “It shows the perspective and the reality,” Arteta said of Havertz’s improvement, praising his impact on the team.

Martin Odegaard sealed the victory in stoppage time, tapping in from Leandro Trossard’s cross to mark a dominant yet hard-fought performance. For Trossard, it was a fitting way to celebrate his 100th Arsenal appearance.

The win was crucial for a squad battling an injury crisis. Arteta confirmed Myles Lewis-Skelly picked up a knock in training, adding to a growing list of absentees. “We had some setbacks yesterday,” Arteta admitted. “Three of them on the bench tonight couldn’t even be used.”

Despite the injuries, Arsenal’s progression in Europe has been smooth. The victory means they will avoid the gruelling February playoffs, barring an improbable goal difference swing. Arteta highlighted the importance of their current position: “It’s a massive step – this puts us in a really strong position.”

With the Premier League title race intensifying and domestic performances under scrutiny, the win was timely. Declan Rice acknowledged the difficulties of recent weeks, saying, “It’s been a tough month, but we bounced back tonight.”

Arsenal’s final group-stage match against Girona next week offers a chance to top the table outright. For now, though, the focus shifts back to the league as the Gunners look to build on this morale-boosting victory.