Arsenal took another important step in the 2024/25 Champions League with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, in a match which reflected both tactical efficiency and firepower from the London side. The result now sees the Gunners close in on direct qualification to the round of 16, needing only a draw against Girona in the final round. In addition, the game marked a milestone for coach Mikel Arteta, who further consolidated his work at the helm of the club.
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An easy win
The game started off, and from the opening moments, Arsenal looked set to ensure the match was sealed as early as possible. In the second minute, Declan Rice opened the scoring for a dominant night. Kai Havertz added another in the second half with his header from a perfect cross by Gabriel Martinelli. Martin Odegaard sealed the game with a beautiful goal in stoppage time.
The result, however, was realised with control without trouble as Arsenal got the better of the match from the first minute without allowing a single shot on target while delivering another great defensive performance.
The 500-goal milestone under Arteta
So, Havertz's strike became more than just a goal and was laced with even more importance because it was, after all, the 500th Arsenal scored under Mikel Arteta-a feat accomplished in only 266 games, showcasing consistency in offense within these several years. It was also testimony to how he'd developed this side ever since his tenure began, wherein almost two goals were assured for his team.
Arsenal's offensive performance is not restricted to the Premier League, though most of those goals have been scored in that league. Great displays were also seen in European competitions and domestic tournaments to show the team's versatility across the different stages.
One step from the round of 16
With 16 points collected, Arsenal currently lies third overall in the Champions League league phase, only behind Liverpool and Barcelona. That means all they need is a simple draw in the final round against Girona to see them through in direct qualification into the round of 16. However, Mikel Arteta sought to make clear that the objective is to win the match in order to keep the momentum of the team going. "We are in a very good position, and we still need to do some jobs. We are going to Girona trying to win that, after it, we shall see," explained the coach.
Then direct qualification given among the best eight would also have great value to Arsenal, still a team wishing to enter as one of the huge forces of European soccer.