Arsenal show Champions League authority with composed win at Inter | OneFootball

Arsenal keep momentum in Milan night to remember

Arsenal’s Champions League campaign continued to gather quiet authority in Milan, where a polished 3-1 victory over Inter ensured a top two finish in the league phase and preserved a perfect European record. It was a night shaped by control rather than chaos, assurance rather than spectacle, as Arsenal once again demonstrated their growing comfort on the biggest stages.

This result extended their longest winning run in the competition and underlined a sense that Arsenal are no longer visitors hoping to survive nights like this. They arrive expecting to impose themselves, and from the opening minutes at Inter, that intention was clear.

Early authority sets the tone

Inter were pinned deep almost immediately, Arsenal circulating the ball with patience and purpose. The breakthrough came early, Gabriel Jesus reacting quickest inside the area to poke home from close range after sustained pressure. It was the sort of goal that reflected Arsenal’s clarity of thought, quick, direct and earned through territorial dominance.

Inter responded with spirit, and their equaliser arrived during a rare spell of sustained pressure. Petar Sucic bent a powerful strike beyond David Raya from the edge of the box after Nicolo Barella’s initial effort was blocked. It briefly threatened to tilt the night, but Arsenal’s response was calm and familiar.

Set piece edge proves decisive again

Arsenal reclaimed the lead in the 31st minute through one of the defining features of their season. Bukayo Saka’s deep corner found Leandro Trossard, who headed the ball back into danger, allowing Jesus to nod home unmarked. It was Arsenal’s 19th goal from corners this season, more than any side across Europe’s top five leagues, and another reminder that preparation and precision travel well.

That advantage never truly looked under threat. Arsenal managed the game with maturity, controlling space and tempo while limiting Inter to half chances. The sense of inevitability was completed late on when substitute Viktor Gyokeres curled a fine strike from the edge of the area six minutes from time.

Squad depth driving European confidence

Beyond the scoreline, this performance spoke to Arsenal’s growing depth and resilience. It was their fourth away match in all competitions, unbeaten across a demanding run that also included trips to Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Portsmouth. Rotation has been extensive and effective, with Mikel Arteta able to reshuffle without losing rhythm or structure. 

Jesus, making just his third start after returning from an 11 month absence following an anterior cruciate ligament injury, looked sharp and purposeful. His two goals ended a long Champions League drought, while Gyokeres’ strike offered further encouragement. With Kai Havertz rebuilding fitness after knee trouble, Arsenal’s expanding attacking options may yet prove decisive as the season tightens.