Arsenal produced another dominant European performance as they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4–0 at the Emirates, sending a clear message to the rest of Europe — Mikel Arteta’s men are not just contenders; they look unstoppable. The Gunners have now kept four straight clean sheets, facing just one shot on target in their last three matches, while continuing their remarkable record from set-pieces — 10 goals already this season from dead-ball situations. Wednesday night’s victory was a masterclass in control, discipline, and ruthlessness. Declan Rice once again orchestrated proceedings in midfield, delivering two assists from set-pieces, while Viktor Gyökeres ended his nine-game goal drought with a confidence-boosting brace. When Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid 5–1 on aggregate last season, it was seen as their arrival among Europe’s elite. Six months later, Diego Simeone’s Atletico have suffered a similar fate. Atleti came prepared, compact, and disciplined — vintage Simeone football — but were eventually blown away by an Arsenal side operating at frightening efficiency. The Spanish giants, who scored five goals against Real Madrid earlier this season, managed just one shot on target all night. David Raya has made just one save across Arsenal’s last three fixtures, and the team has conceded only three goals in 12 games — their best-ever defensive start to a season. For all the legendary backlines under George Graham and Arsène Wenger, this defence may be reaching even greater heights. Arsenal’s set-piece record is becoming almost absurd. The Gunners scored twice from dead-ball situations again, making it the fourth match this season they’ve done so. Gabriel opened the scoring from a Rice free-kick, continuing a trend where Arsenal inevitably break opponents through well-drilled routines. Critics may argue Arsenal rely too heavily on set-pieces — but at this level of execution, it’s a weapon few teams can counter. As Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson put it: “No one beats Atletico by four. Arsenal steamrolled them.” It was also a night of redemption for Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker, under pressure after a goalless spell, silenced doubters with two well-taken goals and another selfless, high-energy performance. “He makes us a better team,” Arteta said post-match. “His work rate and intelligence create so much space for our wingers. The goals were a reward for that effort.” With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague, and Sunderland, Gyökeres has a prime opportunity to build momentum — and Arsenal to extend their dominance. Top of the Premier League, joint-leaders in the Champions League, and statistically the best defence in Europe’s top five leagues — Arsenal’s rise under Arteta shows no signs of slowing down. If they continue combining tactical control with devastating set-pieces and newfound attacking depth, the question is no longer whether they can win major silverware — but who can stop them.
