Intro: Gunners make history with eight wins as Arteta rotates freely
London
Arsenal completed a flawless Champions League league phase, becoming the first team to win all eight matches after edging past Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty 3-2 to secure top spot in the standings.
Already assured of a place in the last 16 before kickoff, Mikel Arteta’s side also guaranteed home advantage in the second leg of the knockout rounds, provided they continue their march in the competition. The achievement capped a dominant opening phase that underlined Arsenal’s growing maturity on the European stage.
“I am very proud of the players and the run that we have had in the first stage of the competition,” Arteta said. “It is very difficult to win eight games in a row in the Champions League, and you can see what has happened with other teams.”
With qualification wrapped up, Arteta took the opportunity to rotate heavily, making 11 changes from the side that suffered their first home defeat of the season against Manchester United at the weekend. Despite the overhaul, Arsenal rarely looked troubled against tournament debutants Kairat, who finished bottom of the 36-team table with just one point.
The night proved especially significant for Kai Havertz, making his first start in nearly a year after an injury-plagued spell. Within two minutes, the German unlocked the defence with a precise through ball for Viktor Gyokeres, who smashed home his 10th goal of the season. Jorginho briefly levelled from the penalty spot, but Havertz restored Arsenal’s lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Havertz also played a key role in Arsenal’s third goal, delivering the cross that Gabriel Martinelli converted. Ricardinho netted a consolation deep into stoppage time for Kairat.
Arteta believes Havertz’s return to form could be pivotal as Arsenal chase silverware on multiple fronts. “It’s going to give him confidence, joy and energy,” he said. “He is going to be really important for us in the second part of the season.”
With momentum and history on their side, Arsenal now turn their focus to the knockout stages brimming with belief.