Viktor Gyökeres finally ended his eight-game goal drought as Arsenal produced a ruthless second-half display to dismantle Atlético Madrid 4-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Swedish forward, who had been under pressure to rediscover his scoring touch, struck in style during a dominant spell that saw the Gunners score three times in just 13 minutes.
Arsenal took control of proceedings early on, and their persistence paid off through another of Mikel Arteta’s trademark set-piece routines.
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to power home a header from Martin Ødegaard’s well-delivered corner, giving the hosts a deserved first-half lead.
The goal set the tone for what would become a thoroughly commanding performance from the Premier League side.
After the break, Arsenal turned up the intensity. Gyökeres doubled their advantage with a smart finish from close range, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box following a Bukayo Saka free-kick.
The striker’s celebration showed clear relief as he registered his first goal since August, marking a potential turning point in his Arsenal career.
Gabriel Martinelli added a third with a composed strike after a flowing counterattack involving Saka and Ødegaard, leaving Atlético’s defense in disarray.
The Spanish visitors, who rarely threatened, struggled to cope with Arsenal’s pace, pressing, and movement, as their manager Diego Simeone watched helplessly from the touchline.
Substitute Leandro Trossard sealed the emphatic win late on with a curling effort from the edge of the box, ensuring Arsenal maintained their perfect record in this season’s Champions League group stage.
With the victory, the Gunners strengthened their position at the top of the table and sent a clear message to Europe’s elite, that Arteta’s men are genuine contenders for continental glory.
