Before the match, Arsenal received news that Manchester City had lost 1-3 to Bodo/Glimt. This meant the "Gunners" had already qualified directly for the round of 16, regardless of the results of their final two group matches. However, they did not ease up against Inter, last season's Champions League runner-up, instead securing a comprehensive victory. Gabriel Jesus's two goals and Victor Gyokeres's strike led to a 3-1 defeat for Inter at San Siro.

Arsenal quickly demonstrated their prowess. In the 10th minute, after a quick exchange of passes in Inter's penalty area, Jesus seized the opportunity to score from close range, opening the scoring. This was the Brazilian forward's second goal since returning from a 319-day recovery period for a knee ligament injury.

Gabriel Jesus celebrates his goal during the Inter 1-3 Arsenal Champions League group stage match on the evening of 20/1. Photo: Arsenal

After conceding early, Inter immediately increased pressure. The team, currently leading Serie A and last season's Champions League runner-up, took only eight minutes to respond. Petar Sucic struck the ball into the top corner after it rebounded from the penalty area.

Despite a quick equalizer, Inter could not change the match's flow. Arsenal remained superior in their resilience, defensive capability, and clinical finishing. In defense, goalkeeper David Raya was a formidable barrier, preventing Inter from scoring further. Upfront, Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard could convert simple situations into goals.

In the 31st minute, the visitors' attacking trio combined to make the score 2-1. Saka delivered a corner for Trossard to head across the six-yard box, before Jesus headed it into Inter's net.

After the break, Arsenal continued to create numerous opportunities. Trossard and Saka could have extended the lead to 3-1 earlier with more precise finishing. Meanwhile, Inter's only other dangerous moment came from Esposito's diagonal shot.

Victor Gyokeres curls in a goal during the Inter 1-3 Arsenal Champions League group stage match on the evening of 20/1. Photo: AJ

In the 84th minute, Arsenal sealed their victory. Saka's unsuccessful ball control inadvertently created an opportunity for Gyokeres, who curled a decisive shot from outside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer got a hand to it but could not prevent the ball from flying into the top corner.

Arsenal extended their perfect record in this season's Champions League group stage to seven matches. If they defeat Kairat in their final match, the "Gunners" will set a new record. Last season, Liverpool led with seven wins and one loss. Meanwhile, the recent defeat dropped Inter to ninth place. They need to win away against Dortmund in the final match to return to the Top 8 and secure direct qualification for the round of 16.

Thanh Quy