Arsenal took a significant step toward securing a place in the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice’s early strike set the tone for a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side wasted no time at the Emirates, with Rice finding the net just 106 seconds into the match. Second-half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard sealed the win, moving Arsenal to third place in the league phase standings.
With five victories from seven matches and only one loss, Arsenal are almost guaranteed a top-eight finish, which ensures automatic qualification for the last 16. A single point in their final match against Girona next week will confirm their progression, though even a defeat might suffice due to their superior goal difference over teams below eighth place.
This win was a timely boost for Arsenal, who were coming off a disappointing 2-2 Premier League draw against Aston Villa last weekend. That result, in which the Gunners squandered a two-goal lead, dented their domestic title hopes. It also followed a challenging run of form, including an FA Cup exit to Manchester United and a League Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Newcastle.
Arteta urged his squad to capitalize on their strong position in the league phase, and his team delivered. Jakub Kiwior, deputizing for the injured William Saliba in central defense, impressed alongside Gabriel Magalhães, stabilizing a backline that struggled in the Villa game.
Arsenal made a dream start when Gabriel Martinelli’s surging run down the left flank set up Havertz, whose clever pass was struck home by Rice from 10 yards. The goal, Arsenal’s fastest in the Champions League since 2014, ignited tensions among Dinamo fans, who threw plastic cups at Rice during a subsequent corner.
Despite Dinamo being managed by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the Croatian champions rarely threatened. Arsenal dominated possession, with Rice coming close to a second goal and Gabriel narrowly missing a header from Ødegaard’s corner.
Havertz doubled the lead in the 66th minute, connecting with Martinelli’s precise cross to score his second goal in as many games. The strike marked a turning point for the German forward, who faced criticism earlier in the season but now has 14 goals across all competitions.
Martin Ødegaard added the finishing touch in stoppage time, calmly slotting home from Leandro Trossard’s delivery to cap a dominant performance.
With one match remaining in the league phase, Arsenal are on the brink of the Champions League knockout rounds, a promising sign for a team eager to make its mark in Europe.