Gabriel Jesus delivered a vintage performance at San Siro as Arsenal swept past Inter Milan 3-1 to book their place in the Champions League last 16 with a game to spare.
The Brazilian forward struck twice in the first half to set Mikel Arteta’s side on their way, continuing a flawless European campaign that has now produced seven wins from seven matches.
Arsenal made a lightning start in Milan, taking the lead inside 10 minutes. After neat build-up involving Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s low ball across the area was turned goalwards by Jurriën Timber, and Jesus reacted quickest to poke home from close range.
Inter responded swiftly. Eight minutes later, Petar Sucic found space on the edge of the box and rifled a precise effort beyond David Raya to restore parity and briefly lift the home crowd.
That momentum did not last long. Arsenal regained control and reasserted their authority on the half-hour mark.
Bukayo Saka’s curling corner was nodded back across goal by Leandro Trossard, allowing Jesus to head in from point-blank range for his second of the night and Arsenal’s latest goal from a set piece.
The visitors continued to look the more dangerous side, with Eze, Saka and Trossard all going close before the interval, while Raya produced a sharp save to deny Federico Dimarco.
Inter pushed after the break but struggled to create clear openings, as Arsenal’s composure and defensive discipline limited the hosts to half-chances. Eze and Trossard both threatened at the other end, while Sommer was forced into saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Arteta introduced Viktor Gyökeres late on, and the substitute put the result beyond doubt six minutes from time, sweeping home from the edge of the box to cap another commanding Arsenal display.
The victory ensures Arsenal are guaranteed a top-two finish in the 36-team league phase, meaning they will host the second leg of their knockout tie. With wins already secured against Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Inter, they remain the only team to have won every group match so far.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve done in this competition,” Arteta said afterwards. “Coming here, against a top side, and showing that hunger and conviction means a lot. The team is growing, very ambitious and emotionally controlled. We have to keep going.”
Arsenal round off their group campaign at home to Kairat next week, knowing a draw will be enough to seal top spot.
For Inter, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, with a play-off now looking likely.
Head coach Cristian Chivu admitted Arsenal were deserved winners, adding that his side must now be ready for the extra hurdle ahead.
