Player Ratings: Viktor Gyokeres shines as Arsenal smash Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid: Ruthless Gunners Dismantle Simeone’s Side

Arsenal delivered a performance full of confidence and control as they brushed aside Atletico Madrid 4-0 in a one-sided Champions League encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Four goals in just 13 minutes left the Spanish side reeling, while the home fans revelled in a dominant European night that underlined Arsenal’s growing maturity on the continental stage.

Early Pressure and Tactical Chaos

From the opening whistle, Arsenal were relentless. Mikel Arteta’s men pressed with precision, forcing Atletico into rushed clearances and awkward errors. Diego Simeone, suited in his trademark black attire, was typically animated on the touchline, demanding that the referee book Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on his son, Giuliano. Those early stoppages helped Atletico settle slightly, but the warning signs were already clear.

As the first half progressed, Atletico began to claw back some control. Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez came closest for the visitors, his powerful long-range strike clipping the crossbar. It was a rare bright spark for Simeone’s team, who otherwise found themselves overwhelmed by Arsenal’s organisation and tempo.

Second-Half Surge and Goals Galore

The breakthrough came after the interval when Gabriel rose highest to meet a Declan Rice corner, heading Arsenal into the lead. That goal lifted the entire stadium, and from there the floodgates opened.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, growing in composure, fed Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly doubled the advantage seven minutes later. Just moments after, Viktor Gyokeres struck twice in quick succession, punishing Atletico’s disjointed defence. Within six minutes, the scoreline had ballooned to 4-0 and the Spanish visitors looked bereft of ideas.

Arteta’s substitutions maintained control without losing intensity. For Simeone, however, the sight of his team folding so easily in Europe will sting deeply.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya – 6Careless outside his area on one occasion but otherwise untroubled.

Jurrien Timber – 7Energetic on the right flank, linked well with Saka.

William Saliba – 7Commanding presence at the back, handled Atletico’s physicality.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Occasionally caught out of position, but recovered well and provided an assist.

Eberechi Eze – 6Bright start but faded as the game settled.

Martin Zubimendi – 6Booked early, though his passing and set-piece delivery remained strong.

Declan Rice – 7Delivered a superb corner for the opener, another composed display.

Bukayo Saka – 8Arsenal’s key attacking outlet, constantly tested Hancko.

Viktor Gyokeres – 8A real handful for Gimenez, and two clinical finishes capped his night.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7Denied earlier by a tight offside, then scored a fine second goal.

Substitutes:Cristhian Mosquera – 6, Christian Norgaard – 6, Ethan Nwaneri – 6, Ben White – 5.

Atletico Madrid Player Ratings

Jan Oblak – 7Produced several key saves before the onslaught began.

Marcos Llorente – 6Looked sharp early, but faded as Arsenal took control.

Robin Le Normand – 6Battled hard, but couldn’t contain Arsenal’s movement.

Jose Gimenez – 6Engaged in a fierce duel with Gyokeres but came off second best.

David Hancko – 6Struggled against Saka, improved slightly in the second half.

Giuliano Simeone – 7Showed flashes of promise going forward after a tough start.

Pablo Barrios – 6Worked hard alongside Koke, but lacked influence.

Koke – 6Tried to dictate play, though the game largely passed him by.

Nico Gonzalez – 6Found space in patches, but his defensive cover was weak.

Alexander Sorloth – 6Offered an outlet up front without much end product.

Substitutes:Alex Baena – 5, Conor Gallagher – 5, Matteo Ruggeri – 5, Antoine Griezmann – 5, Thiago Almada – 5.

Tactical Takeaways

Arsenal’s win will be remembered for its ruthless efficiency rather than prolonged domination. Arteta’s side struck when it mattered most, converting moments of pressure into goals with devastating precision. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, were uncharacteristically passive, unable to impose their typical defensive discipline or frustrate the opposition.

For Arsenal, this victory sends a clear message: they are no longer just contenders, but a European force capable of dismantling seasoned opponents. For Atletico, questions about their tactical balance and reliance on grit over structure will grow louder after such a humbling defeat.