Head coach Mikel Arteta made a complete overhaul of the starting lineup compared to the 2-3 loss against Man Utd in the Premier League last weekend. Regular substitutes such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke were all given opportunities. Notably, Kai Havertz made his first start for Arsenal in 357 days, since the second leg of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle on 5/2/2025. This match was arguably the most lopsided encounter in the Champions League this season. Arsenal led the group with a perfect record, while Kairat – making their debut in Europe's premier club competition – sat at the bottom of the table, already eliminated.

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates the opening goal in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Kairat in their final Champions League match at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 28/1. Photo: PA

This contrast was quickly evident at Emirates Stadium. In the first half, Arsenal controlled possession for 66%, unleashed 12 shots, and created 7 clear-cut chances. The "Gunners" achieved an expected goals (xG) metric of 3,35 – the highest figure for a club in the first 45 minutes of a Champions League match this season. The hosts started vibrantly, opening the scoring after just one minute and 42 seconds. Kai Havertz received the ball in midfield before delivering a through ball for Viktor Gyokeres to break free and neatly slot it into the far corner, beating the Kairat goalkeeper. The Swedish striker reached 10 goals in 14 Champions League appearances.

A surprise occurred in the 7th minute when the referee consulted VAR on the touchline, determining that Riccardo Calafiori had pulled a Kairat player's shirt in the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick for the visitors. From the penalty spot, forward Jorginho struck low to the right, opposite to Kepa's dive, leveling the score. However, that was the extent of the visitors' impact. In the 15th minute, Havertz restored Arsenal's lead with a curling left-footed shot into his favored far corner. Since joining Arsenal in 8/2023, the German forward has both scored and assisted in 8 matches across all competitions, trailing only Bukayo Saka for the club during the same period (9).

By the 36th minute, Havertz continued to make his mark, breaking down the right flank and delivering a cross into the penalty area. Gyokeres stretched to make a slight touch, before Gabriel Martinelli rushed in behind to tap the ball into an open net. In Arsenal's history, only legendary Thierry Henry – with 7 goals in the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 seasons – has achieved a better Champions League season tally than Martinelli this season (6).

Gabriel Martinelli taps into an open net, making the score 3-1. Photo: Reuters

In the second half, Arsenal intentionally lowered the tempo to conserve energy, allowing Kairat periods of resurgence. The visitors' efforts were rewarded with a goal in the final minute of stoppage time, as Valeriy Gromyko delivered a cross to the far post for Ricardinho to head into an open net.

With a 3-2 victory, Arsenal became the only team to achieve a perfect record in the Champions League group stage this season, securing the advantage of playing home in the second leg throughout the knockout rounds. Avoiding the two-legged playoffs for a place in the round of 16 also allows the "Gunners" to fully concentrate on the Premier League title race in the upcoming period. On 31/1, Arteta's squad will visit Leeds for their 24th Premier League match.

Hong Duy