Arsenal's Perfect European Run Continues as Champions League Favourites Emerge
Job done, and then some. Seven victories from seven matches, a flawless record in the group stage, and a spot in the Champions League last-16 secured with room to spare. The question now being asked across European football: are Arsenal the champions-elect of the continent this season?
A Formidable Record Built on Strength and Depth
From their commanding performances throughout this European campaign, both at home and on foreign soil, with key players in and out of the lineup, the Gunners are demonstrating a resilience that makes them exceptionally difficult to stop. It is not that they appear impregnable; as witnessed at the San Siro last night, Inter Milan created opportunities they really should have converted.
Yet, having already dispatched six-time European kings Bayern Munich, thrashed Atletico Madrid, and now overcome last season's runners-up Inter, Mikel Arteta's squad have constructed a form guide and a resume that marks them out as strong favourites to lift the Champions League trophy.
A Club Hungry for Silverware
This is a club starved of major honours, led by a manager who has faced constant reminders of the six barren years without a trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2020. This hunger is precisely why there is no singular focus on winning a particular competition; Arsenal want it all - the Premier League, the Champions League, everything. Crucially, they now possess the tools required for such an ambitious pursuit.
Furthermore, the nervousness on away turf that plagued previous seasons has evaporated. The current squad possesses the backbone and the presence to withstand intense hostility, an absolutely essential quality for any team with serious aspirations in European competition.
Gabriel Jesus Returns with a Statement
From an Arsenal perspective, a significant bonus from the San Siro victory was the return to form of Gabriel Jesus. Making his first start in this competition since December 2024, the Brazilian striker showed flashes of his very best, striking twice in the first half to set the Gunners on their way to victory.
The brace itself prompted questions about whether Viktor Gyokeres's place in the starting eleven is under threat, not just from Kai Havertz, but from a resurgent Jesus as well. The Brazilian's fitness has long been a concern, with a series of knee injuries, the latest sidelining him for eleven months before his return last month.
When he is on song, however, Jesus is a formidable handful. His first goal exemplified his movement and instinct. After playing a pass to Mikel Merino, Jesus made his way into the area. Following a couple of quick passes, Jurrien Timber's mistimed strike fell into his path, and Jesus expertly finished past Yann Sommer. His second, a headed finish from a Leandro Trossard knockdown following a Bukayo Saka corner, showcased the predatory instincts that have sometimes eluded Gyokeres this term.
If Jesus can sustain a run in the team, he has the quality to genuinely test the Swede's resolve. It is an enviable scenario for Arteta, who has had to contend with limited options at centre-forward for so long due to either injury or a lack of depth.
Strength in Depth and Tactical Flexibility
In fairness, Gyokeres responded emphatically late on, netting Arsenal's third with aplomb to add gloss to the scoreline. While rivals Manchester City fielded a full-strength side in a surprising defeat, the Gunners were able to deploy a rotated lineup here, with Declan Rice, Gabriel, and Gyokeres all starting on the bench.
This is the luxury Arteta has been afforded. Gone are the days of predictable and stale selections. This Arsenal squad boasts genuine depth and quality throughout. By securing a top-two finish in the league phase, Arsenal will also enjoy the significant advantage of playing the second leg of their upcoming knockout fixtures at home, a well-earned reward introduced by UEFA this season.
Match Analysis and Key Moments
Jesus struck after just ten minutes before Petar Sucic unleashed a superb curling shot from the edge of the area to equalise for Inter. Arteta was animated on the touchline as the Italians mounted a series of dangerous counter-attacks.
Cristhian Mosquera found himself in a precarious three-versus-one scenario, just managing to hold off Sucic before Marcus Thuram fired over. Luis Henrique and Federico Dimarco also had free strikes at David Raya. Despite their lead, Arsenal were living dangerously at times.
This theme continued into the second half, with Inter constantly on the front foot in search of an equaliser. Lautaro Martinez appealed for a penalty after a challenge from William Saliba, which was waved away by referee Joao Pinheiro, before Manuel Akanji produced a crucial tackle to deny Saka.
The home side came agonisingly close on 67 minutes, substitute Pio Esposito turning Mosquera to lash a shot just past the far post. The waves of Inter attacks continued, but Mosquera shone on his return from an ankle injury, using his positional awareness and strength to great effect.
The Gunners held firm on a night where they absorbed considerable pressure but ultimately sealed the progression to the last-16, avoiding the uncertainty of a play-off round. Job done, indeed, and with a statement of intent that resonates across Europe.
