Arsenal moved one step closer to the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Declan Rice's early strike set the tone for a dominant performance, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard adding second-half goals to secure the win.
Mikel Arteta's side capitalized on their penultimate league phase fixture, climbing to third in the standings. With five wins from seven matches and just one loss, Arsenal are well on course to secure a top-eight finish, guaranteeing automatic qualification for the knockout stage.
The Gunners will head to Girona next week for their final group game, needing just a point to cement their place in the last 16. Even in defeat, Arsenal’s superior goal difference could still see them through, maintaining their three-point cushion above the teams outside the top eight.
This victory offered a timely boost for Arsenal, who have endured a challenging spell in recent weeks. Last weekend’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Aston Villa, where they squandered a two-goal lead, coupled with disappointing exits from the FA Cup and struggles in the League Cup semifinal, left the team under pressure to respond.
Arteta called on his squad to make the most of their strong position in the Champions League, and they delivered. Despite the absence of William Saliba due to injury, Jakub Kiwior excelled in central defense alongside Gabriel Magalhães, providing much-needed stability.
Rice’s Early Spark
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock in just the second minute. Gabriel Martinelli burst down the left wing and delivered a precise cross to Havertz, who teed up Rice for a clinical finish from 10 yards. It was Arsenal's quickest Champions League goal since 2014.
Rice’s opener sparked a frustrated reaction from Dinamo Zagreb fans, who threw plastic cups at him during a subsequent corner. Undeterred, the England midfielder continued to shine, coming close to a second goal with a powerful drive that was blocked by Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi.
Arsenal’s relentless pressure created further chances, with Gabriel heading wide and Havertz misjudging another opportunity with a wayward header. Dinamo, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, rarely ventured into Arsenal’s half, struggling to cope with the hosts’ intensity.
Ødegaard and Raheem Sterling combined well to create openings for Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s long-range effort was comfortably saved by Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić.
Havertz and Ødegaard Seal the Win
Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal ended in the 66th minute when Havertz rose to meet Martinelli’s perfectly timed cross, nodding home a glancing header from 12 yards.
The goal marked a personal milestone for Havertz, who has faced intense criticism and off-field challenges, including threats to his family following a missed penalty against Manchester United. The German forward’s second goal in as many games took his tally to 14 across all competitions this season.
Ødegaard rounded off the performance in stoppage time, calmly slotting home from Leandro Trossard’s assist to seal an emphatic win.
As Arsenal approach their final league phase fixture, Arteta’s men have regained momentum at a crucial moment, edging closer to their goal of reaching the Champions League knockout stage for the first time since 2017.