Arsenal Dismantle Atletico Madrid in Style – 4-0 & Flying High
Well, that was something special! I genuinely thought Arsenal would beat Atletico, but not by such a blistering margin. A 4-0 win against a Diego Simeone team — their joint-worst European defeat under him is huge. The Gunners really do have a thing for Madrid sides, don’t they? It's even been said that Simeone was dressed appropriately in all black as they got buried in that four-goal massacre. It was also Arsenal's milestone of wins, 100 in the Champions League since their debut against Panathinaikos in 1998.
Now that the dust has settled from that fantastic Champions League night, let’s unpack the performance. I backed Arsenal for two simple reasons: first, they’re just in that zone right now — hungry, focused, and businesslike in every match. Second, this Atletico team isn’t quite the well-oiled Simeone machine of old. But that doesn’t take anything away from Arsenal’s brilliance. This was another solid, composed, and disciplined display.
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| Image Credit: UEFAdotcom |
Raya had his usual “Raya moment,” venturing a bit too far out, but Atletico only managed one shot on target and another off the post. Arsenal’s defensive discipline again shone through, keeping Julian Alvarez and co. quiet. The first half ended goalless, but Arsenal were easily the better side. Saka and Martinelli both came close — Oblak denied Saka in the 36th minute, and Martinelli’s goal was rightly ruled offside. That move, though, was poetry — Zubimendi’s pass to Saka was pure class. Zubi might just be the king of the “pre-assist” if that stat ever gets recognized.
Second-Half Blitz – Arsenal Shifts Gears To Blitz Atletico
The second half started with Atletico trying to press higher. Julian Alvarez rattled the woodwork early, sending a warning, but Arsenal weathered the pressure and then unleashed a storm — four goals in fifteen minutes of footballing excellence.
In the 57th minute, Declan Rice whipped in a trademark free-kick, and Big Gabby (Magalhães) powered in his trademark header. Simeone’s men were stunned. Then came Moussa Lamine Sarr’s (MLS) electric run through Atletico’s midfield — slicing through bodies before laying it off perfectly for Martinelli, who finished clinically. That’s Martinelli at his best — instinctive, ruthless, and efficient in this new role. He’s already got 5 goal involvements this season, 4 in the UCL alone — looks like a man on a mission. Next, Viktor Gyökeres joined the party. As I mentioned in my preview, he needed a goal, and he got two. The first came when Zubimendi’s pass deflected off Eze’s strike, falling perfectly for Gyökeres to poke home past Oblak. Minutes later, he doubled his tally, nodding in from close range after Big Gabby’s flick. A proper striker’s brace. Arsenal 4-0 Atletico — no mercy, no goals conceded.
Simeone was furious but honest enough to admit Arsenal were superior. He even called Arsenal the best team in Europe right now. Maybe a stretch — but we’re definitely moving in that direction. Three wins from three, zero goals conceded in this new UCL format, and 27 goals scored in nine games overall. Impressive numbers — now let’s turn performances like this into trophies.
The Eze Derby – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Preview
Next up, it’s back to Premier League business — and it’s a special one: The Eze Derby. Arsenal host Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are no pushovers. Since his arrival, Palace have bagged their first-ever FA Cup, followed it up with a Community Shield win over Liverpool, and are now sitting 9th in the league with 3W, 4D, and just 1L. They’ve beaten Liverpool and Aston Villa already, with their only defeat coming (surprisingly) against Everton. Palace are well-drilled, confident, and very hard to beat.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is in form, fresh off a hat-trick against Bournemouth so Arsenal’s defense needs to be sharp. But this Gunners backline has been rock solid, the best defense in the Premier League and arguably one of the best in Europe. Saliba, Rice, Gabriel (if fit), and co. will need to keep that structure tight and deny Palace’s transitions.
Eberechi Eze’s Time to Shine – and Arteta’s Selection Dilemmas
Now, to the man at the center of attention Eberechi Eze. The ex-Palace star is back facing his former club, this time in red and white. He left Selhurst Park on a high, and while he’s shown flashes of his class with 3 goal contributions so far, there’s definitely more to come. With Ødegaard out, Eze looks set to play centrally, perfect for him to pull strings and drive the attack. Surrounded by elite talent Saka, Rice, Martinelli, this could be the game where Eze really turns it on.
Arteta, meanwhile, has some tough calls. Gabriel Magalhães might be out injured, so does he stick with MLS or bring in Calafiori? I wouldn't risk Big Gabby if he isn't quite 100%. We can manage without him for a few games, just to avoid aggravating any injuries and losing him for an extended spell. On the left, Trossard or Martinelli? Personally, I’d move Eze wide left and give Ethan a shot in the center. Palace’s open play style could suit his directness perfectly. I know that's not likely what you all think or would like to see, I am just saying. Zubimendi, Rice and Saka would need to be on top of their game to keep Palace on the back foot and help win the game. I fancy Eze scoring in this game against his former club, kick off his EPL goal scoring streak... it would be nice.
Crystal Palace have created the highest shots on goal from the second-highest xG in the EPL this season, impressive for a mid-table side, but they’ve lacked ruthlessness. Arsenal must take advantage, dominate the midfield, and control tempo. One key edge? Palace played on Thursday (losing to AEK Larnaca), while Arsenal has enjoyed extra rest since Tuesday. That freshness could be crucial. We drew Palace at the Emirates last season to flip that result. Arsenal have made a habit of righting past wrongs this campaign. time to add Palace, my teamsheet would look like this
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