Arsenal wrapped up a spotless UEFA Champions League league phase with a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty on Wednesday night. With first place already locked up, the Gunners came out flying, built a big lead before halftime, then had to stay calm as Kairat pushed late. The result made it Mikel Arteta’s 200th win as Arsenal boss.
In front of a loud Emirates crowd, Arsenal made it eight wins from eight in this league phase format, the first club to do so. Kai Havertz, starting for the first time in 357 days, led the way with a goal and two assists. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli also scored during a fast first half.
Fast Opening Gives Arsenal the Upper Hand
Arsenal took control right away. After just two minutes, Havertz slipped a sharp through ball to Gyokeres, who finished calmly past Kairat keeper Anarbekov for 1-0. The striker looked dangerous all night and came close to adding more, but poor luck and the woodwork kept his tally to one.
Kairat answered quickly and made it 1-1 in the sixth minute. Riccardo Calafiori pulled Jorginho in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. The Kairat forward took the penalty well, sending Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way.
Arsenal went back in front in the 15th minute, and Havertz did it himself. He took a pass from captain Ben White on the right, shifted inside onto his left foot, and curled a clean finish into the far corner. It was a big moment for Havertz after his long wait to return to the starting lineup.
Martinelli Makes It 3-1 Before the Break
The pressure stayed on, and Arsenal’s third arrived in the 36th minute. Havertz created it again, setting up Martinelli to score from close range for 3-1. It was Martinelli’s sixth Champions League goal of the season, another sign of how sharp Arsenal have looked going forward.
Arteta rotated at halftime, taking off Havertz and Calafiori as Arsenal managed the second half. Kairat tried to find a way back but struggled to open up Arsenal’s shape. The hosts still found chances, and Gabriel Jesus had a late goal ruled out for offside.
Late Header Adds Drama, but Arsenal Hold On
Arsenal looked set for a comfortable finish until added time. In the 90+4th minute, Ricardinho met Valeri Gromyko’s cross and headed in to make it 3-2. The late goal stopped Arsenal from winning every league phase match by at least two goals, but it didn’t change the outcome. The final whistle confirmed another win and a historic 100 percent league phase.
Arsenal Player Ratings and Statistics
Arsenal got strong contributions across the pitch, with Havertz standing out as the man of the match.
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kepa Arrizabalaga | Goalkeeper | Steady night, few clear chances to stop | 7.0 |
| Ben White | Defender | Assist, led as captain | 7.5 |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Defender | Conceded penalty, subbed at halftime | 6.5 |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | Defender | Calm in possession | 7.0 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | Forward | Goal (2′), composed finish | 8.0 |
| Kai Havertz | Mid/Forward | Goal (15′), 2 assists | 9.0 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Forward | Goal (36′) | 8.0 |
Kairat Competes Well in a Tough Night
Kairat, near the bottom of the league phase table, showed fight against one of Europe’s top teams. The early penalty and the late header gave them something to take from an otherwise difficult campaign.
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anarbekov | Goalkeeper | Several saves under heavy pressure | 7.0 |
| Jorginho | Forward | Goal (6′ pen) | 7.5 |
| Ricardinho | Forward | Goal (90+4′) | 7.5 |
| Valeri Gromyko | Midfield | Assist on a late goal | 7.0 |
After the match, Arteta praised his team’s approach and Havertz’s performance. “Kai was outstanding, his return gives us a huge lift,” he said. “Eight wins from eight is a special achievement, and we’re ready for the knockout rounds.”
Arsenal now move into the Champions League round of 16 full of confidence, while Kairat leaves the competition after a spirited performance in London.
