The perfect eight: Arsenal makes history with flawless 24-Point Champions League run
Since this new format was introduced in Europe, the English side became the first team to win all of its matches.
Out of a possible 24 points in this grueling new Champions League league phase, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has achieved the impossible: a perfect 24. With their 3-2 victory over Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, the Gunners solidified their status as the absolute favorites to lift the trophy this season. By winning 8 out of 8 matches, Arsenal has become the gold standard of consistency in elite European football.
Arteta’s Masterclass: Rotation and Results
Mikel Arteta approached the final matchday with the luxury of a leader. Having already secured the top spot in the standings, the Spanish manager prioritized squad management over chasing historical vanity. He fielded a heavily rotated XI, giving minutes to "secondary" players while keeping his core stars fresh for the knockout rounds.
The spotlight was firmly on Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish powerhouse, who joined Arsenal with high expectations, is still fighting to cement his place as the undisputed starter at the Emirates. He didn't waste any time proving his worth. In the opening minutes, Gyökeres showcased his lethal Sporting CP form, surging into space and smashing a clinical finish off the post and into the net. His goal immediately dismantled Kairat’s defensive plan, which was designed purely to frustrate the English giants.
The Resilience of Kairat and the Havertz Return
Despite the gap in quality, the visitors found a brief moment of hope. A lapse in the Arsenal box led to an unexpected penalty. While the visitors converted to equalize, the Emirates crowd didn't have to wait long for a response.
Arsenal reclaimed control with surgical precision. The second goal was a showcase of Arteta’s pressing philosophy: Gyökeres applied the pressure, forcing a turnover that allowed Kai Havertz to find the back of the net. Havertz, returning to the lineup after a significant injury absence, used a slight deflection to guide the ball home, gaining much-needed confidence and match fitness in the process.
Dominance and the Next Generation
As the match progressed, the gulf in class became undeniable. Arsenal’s midfield completely annexed Kairat’s territory, creating high-danger chances at will. While Gyökeres missed a few opportunities to bag a brace, Gabriel Martinelli made no mistake, extending the lead to 3-1 with an efficient, trademark finish.
With the game in hand, Arteta used the second half to experiment. He introduced Piero Hincapié and Martin Ødegaard to maintain control while handing professional debuts to academy talents Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim. This move was a clear signal to the rest of Europe: Arsenal’s future is as bright as its present. Although Gabriel Jesus had a goal ruled out for offside and Kairat’s Ricardinho managed a late consolation header to make it 3-2, the outcome was never in doubt.
Looking Ahead: The Round of 16
Arsenal finishes the league phase as the undisputed #1 seed. They now await their Round of 16 opponent, which will be determined by the playoff winners. Based on current projections, the Gunners could face heavyweights like Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, or Olympiacos. Given their perfect record, however, it is the rest of Europe that should be worried about drawing Arsenal.
