Arsenal’s Perfect 8/8 Champions League Win: Arteta’s Striker Fix

Key Points

• Arsenal secured a convincing 3-2 victory over Kairat in the Champions League league phase, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli.
• The win marked Arsenal’s eighth consecutive victory in the league phase, making them the first team to achieve this feat since the competition’s format change.
• Scenes of jubilation erupted in the away end when Ricardinho headed in a late goal for Kairat, narrowing the deficit, though the Kazakh side were applauded off by home fans.
• Arsenal could have scored seven or eight goals, dominating the match in north London.
• Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli all found the net, highlighting attacking prowess.
• Mikel Arteta appears to have found a striker solution, addressing previous concerns in the forward line.
• Arsenal’s league phase fixtures included tough challenges like trips to Inter Milan and home games against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
• The result was described as an inevitability despite Kairat’s spirited response, including Jorginho’s penalty concession.
• Perfection achieved for Arsenal, positioning them as the class of Europe in the competition so far.
• The serious business now begins with the Champions League last-16 knockout stage in six weeks’ time.
• It was a fun night in north London, with memorable occasions for both teams.

North London (North London News) January 29, 2026 – Arsenal delivered a dominant 3-2 win against Kairat in the Champions League league phase, with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli scoring to seal their eighth straight victory and perfect record in the competition.<> This result, reported extensively across media outlets, underscores Arsenal’s supremacy in Europe, having overcome elite opponents like Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid.

The match at the Emirates Stadium showcased Arsenal’s attacking flair, though Kairat’s late efforts added drama. Ricardinho’s header in the final moments sparked bedlam in the away end, reducing the scoreline, but Arsenal’s superiority was never in doubt. Home fans applauded the Kazakh visitors off the pitch, recognising a memorable outing despite the defeat.

What Were the Three Key Lessons from Arsenal’s Triumph?

As detailed in the Evening Standard’s match analysis, three standout takeaways emerged from Arsenal’s performance against Kairat. First, Mikel Arteta has seemingly resolved the team’s striker conundrum, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line effectively by opening the scoring. Kai Havertz’s goal further demonstrated versatility in the forward positions, while Gabriel Martinelli’s finish rounded off a clinical display.<>

Second, Arsenal’s dominance suggested they could have netted seven or eight times, highlighting wastefulness but also sheer quality. The Evening Standard noted:

“For Arsenal, three goals could well have been seven or eight,”

emphasising missed opportunities amid control.

Third, this victory cemented Arsenal as the class of Europe in the Champions League league phase. Achieving eight wins from eight – a historic milestone post-format change – positions them perfectly for the knockout rounds.

How Did Arsenal’s Path to Perfection Unfold?

Arsenal’s journey to an unbeaten league phase was no fluke. The Evening Standard reported that their fixtures included a gruelling trip to Inter Milan and home clashes with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, yet they triumphed in all.<> This routine 3-2 win over Kairat, despite the scoreline, was

“never anything other than an inevitability,”

as per the coverage.

Jorginho’s conceded penalty offered Kairat brief hope, but Ricardinho’s late header merely narrowed the margin to 3-2. The Kazakh side, though defeated, cherished the occasion, with away fans erupting in celebration at the final touch.<>

Mikel Arteta’s side now eyes the last-16 in six weeks, with the “serious business” ahead. The Evening Standard described it as “perfection secured for Arsenal,” a testament to their consistency.

Who Scored the Decisive Goals for Arsenal?

Viktor Gyokeres netted first, providing the striker solution fans craved, as highlighted in the match report. Kai Havertz added his name to the scoresheet, with Gabriel Martinelli completing the trio.<> The Evening Standard linked to detailed profiles: Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli, underscoring their contributions.​

These goals propelled Arsenal to eight wins from eight, a record etched in Champions League history.​

Why Was This a Fun Night in North London?

The Evening Standard captured the atmosphere: “This was a fun night in north London.” Utter bedlam ensued in the away end post-Ricardinho’s header, yet Arsenal’s fans applauded Kairat by the tunnel, showing sportsmanship.​

For the Gunners, it was another step towards European dominance. The Champions League league phase has seen them shine, with goals flowing freely.​

What Does Arteta’s Striker Solution Mean for Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta’s management has addressed longstanding concerns up front. Gyokeres’ goal signalled a reliable option, complementing Havertz’s adaptability. The Evening Standard’s analysis posits this as the “striker solution,” vital for knockout football.​

This blend of firepower positions Arsenal strongly, having topped tough encounters. No mean feat, as the report stresses, against Inter, Bayern, and Atletico.​

How Did Kairat Respond in Defeat?

Despite the 3-2 margin of defeat, Kairat enjoyed a memorable night. Jorginho’s penalty and Ricardinho’s header rallied them, earning applause from Arsenal supporters.​

The Kazakh outfit, outclassed but spirited, left a mark. Away fans’ joy at the late goal epitomised the occasion’s spirit.​

What Lies Ahead for Arsenal in Europe?

The league phase complete, Arsenal’s “path mapped out” leads to the last-16 in six weeks. As Europe’s standout team, they enter as favourites.

The Evening Standard affirms: “They have been the class of Europe so far in the competition.” Knockout intensity awaits, but perfection breeds confidence.​

Broader Context: Arsenal’s Unblemished Record

Eight from eight – unprecedented since the format shift. Fixtures against giants like Inter Milan (away), Bayern Munich (home), and Atletico Madrid (home) underscore the achievement.​

This win, though routine, fits the pattern. Arteta’s squad dominates, with attackers firing on all cylinders.​

In north London, Arsenal’s Emirates became a fortress. Kairat tested them late, but the result reflected inevitability.​

Fan and Media Reactions

Media buzz centres on Arteta’s tactics. The Evening Standard’s north London correspondent noted the “scenes of utter bedlam,” capturing raw emotion.​

Home fans’ applause for Kairat highlighted mutual respect. A night blending dominance and drama.​

Across outlets, praise flows for Arsenal’s perfection. They stand tall in the Champions League.