Arsenal secure top two league stage finish with win over Inter Milan | OneFootball

Arsenal recorded a club record seventh consecutive Champions League win and a place in the top two of the league phase to assure them home advantage when Europe’s elite competition hits the knock out phase next month.

Arteta made seven changes from the weekend draw at Nottingham Forest, selecting a surprisingly strong side for a match they did not necessarily need to win. David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi were the only four to keep their starting places.

Cristian Mosquera’s return after six weeks out with an ankle injury allowed Arteta to rest Gabriel in the heart of his defence.

Eberechi Eze got only his fourth start since his hat-trick against Tottenham 12 games ago. The Crystal Palace summer signing has rarely matched the level he reached in that match. His limited chances have been partly down to the good form of captain Martin Odegaard in the central midfield role, but he did nothing in the San Siro to suggest he will start again against Manchester United on Sunday.

Manchester City’s shock defeat in Norway in the early kick-off assured Arsenal a top eight finish in this first phase of the Champions League, but they needed a point to secure a top two spot.

Gabriel Jesus gave the Gunners the lead when a Jurrien Timber shot rebounded just within reach of the  Brazil striker who finished from close range.

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The goal triggered an equally dominant response from the well-supported Italians, who threatened to score more than once before Petar Sucic levelled just eight minutes later with a quality shot from the edge of the area. It was only the second time Arsenal have conceded in the tournament this season.

Jesus scored his second goal with a close-range header from a wonderfully worked Bukayo Saka 31st minute corner from the right wing. Unplayable at times, Saka, struck to the far post where Trossard loitered to head back across the goal where Jesus held his position to nod in from a yard.

There was still time for the goal of the match five minutes from time, when substitute Viktor Gyokeres scored his third goal in five European games with a 25 yard curler, thanks, in part, to a stunning pass from fellow sub Gabriel Martinelli.