Arsenal stormed to a punishing victory over Atletico Madrid to maintain their unbeaten record in the Champions League this season. The north Londoners were the better side all game and made their superiority count with a flurry of second-half goals. They went close after only a few minutes with Eberechi Eze rattling the crossbar from the edge of the box.
Julian Alvarez hit the woodwork for the visitors in the second half but it was Arsenal who found the breakthrough, with Gabriel Magalhaes nodding the ball past Jan Oblak after being expertly picked out by Declan Rice. At that point, the floodgates opened as Gabriel Martinelli curled into the bottom corner just minutes later. A brace from Viktor Gyokeres made sure of the points and gave the Gunners a big European night to cherish in front of their own fans.
Express Sport rates every Arsenal player following tonight’s emphatic victory…
Arsenal player ratings vs Atletico Madrid
David Raya – 6
Was nearly caught out after he was left scampering back towards his own goal. Did well apart from that one moment.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Looked a threat down the right flank as he has done all season. Arguably the best in Europe in his position on current form.
William Saliba – 7
As always, calm and composed in defence. Used his range of passing to start attacking moves from the very back.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Looked a bit shaky against Fulham but was back to his usual self tonight and took his goal brilliantly.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Had a decent game on the left side of the pitch and made sure to involve himself in attacking moves.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Covered every blade of grass in midfield. Will be suspended for the game against Slavia Prague after being booked.
Declan Rice – 7
Missed a huge early chance to open the scoring but made amends with a perfect free-kick delivery to set up the goal.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Rattled the crossbar early on with a deflected effort. Lacked creativity against Fulham but was much better on this occasion.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Had the beating of his marker all night long and was at the heart of most attacking moves. Another great performance.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Should have stayed onside for the disallowed goal but finished wonderfully to double Arsenal’s lead and was a threat all game.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
Worked hard out of possession, made some clever runs and was rewarded with two goals to end his drought in style.
Substitutes
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Did his job well enough at the back, although he wasn’t really tested.
Christian Norgaard – 6
Kept things ticking in the middle of the park to see the game out.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Looked lively when he came on after the damage had already been done.
Mikel Merino – n/a
A late addition.
Ben White – n/a
A late addition.
