MILAN – Arsenal kept their perfect run going in this season’s UEFA Champions League league phase with a strong 3-1 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro. Tuesday night’s result locked in a top-two finish and a straight route into the last 16. It also made it seven wins in a row in the competition, a new Arsenal record in Europe’s top tournament.
Mikel Arteta’s side already knew they were through after other results, but they played with the same edge and focus. Even with several changes to the starting XI, Arsenal controlled long spells and looked comfortable in a big away setting. Gabriel Jesus led the way with two first-half goals, and substitute Viktor Gyökeres added a late third to wrap it up.
Fast Start, High Press, and an Early Breakthrough
Arsenal started on the front foot, pressing Inter high and forcing mistakes. The opener came in the 10th minute after Jurrien Timber’s effort was blocked. The loose ball dropped kindly inside the area, and Jesus reacted quickest to prod it past Yann Sommer for 1-0.
Inter responded quickly. Petar Sučić levelled it in the 18th minute with a fierce long-range strike that caught Arsenal out. The goal lifted the crowd and brought Inter back into the match.
Corner Routine Pays Off as Jesus Strikes Again
Arsenal settled after conceding and began to control the tempo again. Their second goal arrived in the 31st minute from a familiar pattern at a set-piece. Bukayo Saka swung in a deep corner, Leandro Trossard headed it back across goal, and Jesus, left free, nodded in from close range to make it 2-1.
That goal underlined how dangerous Arsenal have been from dead-ball situations this season, with 19 goals from corners in all competitions.
Inter had chances before the break, but David Raya kept Arsenal ahead. He made a sharp double save to deny Federico Dimarco and then the follow-up, keeping the lead intact at half-time.
Calm Second Half, Then Gyökeres Finishes in Style
After the restart, Arsenal managed the game well. They kept Inter to limited clear openings and looked sharp on the break. Arteta turned to his bench late on, and Gyökeres delivered the finish the performance deserved.
In the 84th minute, the Swedish forward held off a challenge, combined neatly with Saka, and then curled a brilliant strike into the top corner from the edge of the box. It made the score 3-1 and took the sting out of the closing minutes.
Standout Players and What Worked Tactically
Jesus was the main story, taking both chances well and giving Inter’s defenders constant problems. Gyökeres’ goal showed the depth Arsenal have in attack, and the back line, led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, stood firm when Inter tried to build pressure.
Raya’s saves came at key moments, and Arsenal’s pressing shape made it hard for Inter to play through the middle for long spells. Arteta praised his side’s control in a tough atmosphere, and Jesus said Arsenal were the better team on the night.
Inter, who have now lost three straight games in the league phase, showed flashes through Sučić and Dimarco, but they struggled to break Arsenal down.
Arsenal Line-up and Key Notes
Arsenal’s rotated squad delivered, which will please Arteta as the season moves on.
| Position | Player | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| GK | David Raya | Double save, calm distribution |
| DEF | Jurrien Timber | Involved in the opener (blocked shot) |
| DEF | William Saliba | Strong in duels, read danger early |
| DEF | Gabriel Magalhães | Commanding in the air |
| DEF | Oleksandr Zinchenko | Supported attacks from deep areas |
| MID | Declan Rice | Kept midfield tidy and controlled |
| MID | Martin Ødegaard | Linked play and drove attacks |
| MID | Leandro Trossard | Assist for the second goal |
| FWD | Bukayo Saka | Corner delivery, threat on the right |
| FWD | Gabriel Jesus | Two goals (10’, 31’) |
| FWD | (Subs incl.) Viktor Gyökeres | Goal (84’) |
Inter Milan Line-up and Key Notes
Inter competed, but Arsenal punished key moments and defended set-pieces well.
| Position | Player | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Yann Sommer | Faced heavy pressure, conceded three |
| DEF | Benjamin Pavard | Worked hard but stretched at times |
| DEF | Alessandro Bastoni | Found it tough against pace and movement |
| DEF | (Others) | Issues with set-pieces and second balls |
| MID | Petar Sučić | Goal (18’), carried the ball well |
| MID | Nicolò Barella | Battled throughout |
| MID | Hakan Çalhanoğlu | Offered a set-piece threat |
| FWD | Federico Dimarco | Denied by Raya |
| FWD | Lautaro Martínez | Isolated for long spells |
What’s Next for Arsenal and Inter
With this win, Arsenal sit top of the Champions League league phase with 21 points from seven matches, 20 goals scored, and just two conceded. Focus now turns back to domestic action, including a Premier League meeting with Manchester United, before the knockout draw, where Arsenal will have the benefit of playing the second leg at home.
For Inter, the loss adds pressure as they try to steady their European campaign.
Arsenal’s win in Milan felt like a real statement; they looked ready for the next stage.
