Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s highly-anticipated summer signing, has emphatically ended his recent goal drought, netting a crucial brace within three minutes to seal a resounding 4-0 Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid. This performance not only boosts Arsenal’s perfect European record but signals a significant surge in confidence for both the striker and the entire squad, propelling them into a potentially unstoppable winning run.
The collective sigh of relief among Arsenal fans was almost palpable as Viktor Gyokeres finally found the back of the net, not once, but twice, in a sensational 4-0 Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid. His brace on Tuesday night was the defining moment of a ruthless second-half display by Mikel Arteta’s side, ending a personal dry spell that had stretched across nine games for club and country.
The Relief and the Resonance of a Breakthrough
Before this pivotal match, the Sweden international, a significant offseason acquisition from Sporting Lisbon, hadn’t scored for Arsenal since a 3-0 Premier League win against Nottingham Forest in September. This extended period without a goal had undoubtedly weighed on the striker, making his two rapid-fire goals in the 67th and 70th minutes against Atletico all the more meaningful. Manager Mikel Arteta captured the sentiment perfectly, telling Amazon Prime, “it was the biggest smile on his face,” acknowledging the relief and joy of his star forward.
Arteta was quick to laud Gyokeres beyond his goal-scoring, stating, “delighted as he fully deserved it. The work rate he brings to the team is outstanding. We value a lot of things that he does for the team.” This underscores the broader contribution Gyokeres makes, highlighting his tireless effort even when the goals weren’t flowing. The hope, as Arteta expressed, is that “this is the start of some beautiful sequences” for the striker.
A Team Transformed: Arsenal’s Second-Half Blitz
The game itself was a testament to Arsenal’s growing maturity and tactical prowess. After a relatively even first half, the Gunners exploded in the second, netting all four goals in a devastating 13-minute spell. The floodgates opened with Gabriel Magalhaes’ header from a free kick in the 57th minute, followed by Gabriel Martinelli’s strike in the 64th, setting the stage for Gyokeres’ heroics. This ability to maintain focus and then unleash such a clinical attacking display is a hallmark of Arteta’s developing side.
Gyokeres’ goals were his first for Arsenal in a major European competition, adding another layer to his burgeoning legacy at the club. He has now impressively scored nine goals across his 10 home games, spanning his time with both Arsenal and Sporting CP. Notably, this was also his first Champions League brace since November last year, when he bagged a hat-trick for Sporting – against Arsenal, no less – adding a fascinating historical footnote to his current success.
Building Momentum: A Perfect Champions League Record and Domestic Dominance
The victory was not just about individual brilliance; it saw Arsenal move to third in the Champions League table, proudly standing as one of only three teams with a perfect record in the competition. This consistent performance on the European stage is a testament to the club’s resurgence. Arsenal also became the seventh side in the Champions League to reach 100 wins in the competition, and the third English side to do so, following Manchester United (125) and Chelsea (102), a statistic confirmed by official UEFA records.
Since their return to the Champions League in the 2023-24 season, Arsenal have been formidable at home, winning all their matches by an aggregate score of 27-0. This defensive solidity was once again on display, as they kept another clean sheet against Atletico Madrid, extending a run of four consecutive clean sheets across all competitions. This impressive defensive record, combined with their newfound attacking flair, suggests a team hitting its stride.
The Gunners are in scintillating form, having won each of their last six games in all competitions. While Arteta has enjoyed longer winning runs previously (eight matches in October 2022 and August 2024), the current momentum feels particularly significant given the stakes. Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz highlighted this growing belief, predicting a sustained period of success:
Blitz noted key factors contributing to this optimism:
- Four clean sheets in a row, questioning who can score against them.
- Ten goals from set pieces this season, showcasing tactical efficiency.
- A striker (Gyokeres) with a huge confidence boost.
With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Burnley, Slavia Prague, and Sunderland, Blitz’s prediction for a “big run” seems well-founded. Gyokeres, despite the excitement, remains grounded, telling UEFA, “we want to do well, we want to win football matches, but there’s a long journey to go. We will take it game-by-game, even if that sounds boring.” This measured approach from the players, combined with the undeniable quality on the pitch, bodes well for Arsenal’s aspirations this season.
