Arsenal all but secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard sealed a comfortable win for the Gunners, who now need only to avoid a heavy defeat in their final group game against Girona to guarantee a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
Arsenal took the lead in the second minute when Rice fired home from close range after Havertz had cushioned Gabriel Martinelli’s cross into his path. Havertz then doubled their advantage in the second half, heading in a Martinelli cross for his 500th goal under manager Mikel Arteta. Odegaard completed the scoring late on, bundling the ball home from close range.
Arsenal dominated the match from start to finish, with Dinamo Zagreb rarely venturing into their half. The Gunners created numerous chances and could have won by a greater margin, with Rice and Gabriel both coming close to scoring.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the performance, highlighting his team’s strong start and defensive solidity. He also welcomed the return of Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri from injury.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to their final group game against Girona, where they will be looking to secure their place in the last 16. With their impressive home form in Europe, having lost just one of their last 26 group stage games at the Emirates, they will be confident of progressing to the knockout stages.
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