Job done. Seven wins from seven matches, a spot in the Champions League last-16 sealed. Arsenal, champions-elect of Europe?
From their showings thus far this season in the competition, both home and away, with and without their best players, the Gunners will take some stopping indeed.
It’s not that they appear impregnable. As seen at the San Siro last night, Inter Milan had chances which they should have taken.
Yet, having already downed six-time kings of Europe Bayern Munich, thrashed Atletico Madrid and now beaten last season’s runners-up Inter, Mikel Arteta’s men have demonstrated the form and resume of a team which are strong favourites to win the Champions League.
This is a club starved of silverware, led by a man who has been constantly reminded of the six barren years without a trophy since their FA Cup scalp in 2020.
It is why there is no focus on trying to win a particular competition; Arsenal want it all – and, crucially, they have the tools required.
Viktor Gyokeres got back in the goals in Milan to help Arsenal secure yet another European win
Mikel Arteta’s men are now the runaway favourites for the Champions League title this season
Plus, the jitters on away turf seen in previous seasons are no longer there. The squad have the backbone – and presence – to withstand hostility. That is a required part of the package, particularly when it comes to playing away in Europe.
From a Gunners perspective, there was also the added bonus of Gabriel Jesus showing the signs of his best days on a first start in this competition since December 2024, striking twice in the first half to set up Arsenal’s victory.
The brace itself raised the question of whether Viktor Gyokeres’ place in this team is under threat by not just Kai Havertz – but Jesus as well.
The Brazilian’s fitness has long been an asterisk to his name having suffered a series of knee injuries, the latest one side-lining the striker for 11 months before returning to the pitch last month.
When he is on song, though, Jesus is a handful. The forward had played a pass to Mikel Merino before making his way into the area. A couple of passes later, Jurrien Timber’s mistimed strike fell into his path. Jesus dangled his right leg out to swiftly finish past goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Soon after, on 31 minutes, Bukayo Saka’s corner found its way to Leandro Trossard beyond the back post. He headed the ball back into the mix, and Jesus nodded home.
Both goals reflected the movement and striking instinct which has so often evaded Gyokeres this season.
If he can sustain a run in this team, Jesus has the skills to really test the Swede’s resolve. It’s a great scenario for Arteta having had to make do with limited No9 options for so long because of either injury or lack of strikers at the club.
Gabriel Jesus netted a brace as he continues to rediscover his form after returning from injury
Netting Arsenal’s third will go some way towards bolstering the Swedish forward’s confidence
Inter Milan were quick to find an equaliser at the San Siro but quickly fell to Arsenal’s strength
In fairness, Gyokeres took his chance late on with aplomb to add the gloss.
Whilst Manchester City used a full-strength starting XI in their humiliating defeat against Bodo/Glimt, the Gunners deployed a rotated side here with Declan Rice, Gabriel and Gyokeres all on the bench.
It’s the luxury Arteta has been afforded. Gone are the days by which his selections were predictable and stale. This squad has real depth.
By securing a top-two position in the league phase, too, Arsenal will now have the second leg of upcoming knockout fixtures at home, a well-earned advantage introduced by UEFA this season.
Ethan Nwaneri made the bench just hours after an agreement was struck for him to join Marseille on loan for the rest of the season. As seen by the £67.5million Eberechi Eze being given a rare here, the prospective move looks to be a smart one.
Jesus struck after 10 minutes before Petar Sucic unleashed a curling shot on the edge of the area to equalise, placing the ball into the top-right corner.
Arteta was screaming on the touchline having seen the Italians mount a series of chances on counter-attacks.
Cristhian Mosquera found himself in a three-vs-one scenario, just about holding off Sucic before Marcus Thuram struck over.
Luis Henrique and Federico Dimarco also had free strikes at David Raya. Despite the one-goal cushion, Arsenal were living dangerously.
That same theme continued in the second half, Inter constantly in search for a second goal and on the front foot.
Eberechi Eze received a run-out after a quieter festive period at his new side this January
Cristhian Mosquera was a compelling presence as he too gets back on track post-injury
But Arsenal yet again displayed the strength in depth that could see them win silverware this season
Lautaro Martinez complained of a tackle in the area by William Saliba which was waved away by referee Joao Pinheiro, before Manuel Akanji put in a big tackle to deny Saka.
The home side were inches from that equaliser on 67 minutes, substitute Pio Esposito fending off Mosquera to lash his shot just past Raya’s far post.
The waves of attacks continued, Mosquera shining on his return from an ankle injury as he used his positional awareness and strength to great effect.
The Gunners held on, on a night where they soaked up much pressure but sealed that much-need progression to the last-16 to avoid the play-off round.
Job done indeed.
