Arsenal moved to the brink of Champions League last-16 qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Declan Rice’s first Champions League goal after just two minutes set the tone for a dominant display from Mikel Arteta’s side.
Kai Havertz doubled the lead with a header in the 66th minute before captain Martin Odegaard added a third in stoppage time.
The win puts Arsenal on 16 points in third place, virtually securing their automatic passage to the knockout stages with one group game remaining.
Declan Rice scored his first Champions League goal on Wednesday night
Reuters
Rice’s opener came from a well-worked move, with Gabriel Martinelli squaring the ball to Kai Havertz who cushioned it perfectly for the England midfielder.
The £105 million summer signing hammered home on the half-volley to register his first Champions League goal.
Shortly after scoring, Rice was pelted with plastic cups from the travelling supporters as he prepared to take Arsenal’s first corner of the night.
The early strike represented Arsenal’s quickest goal in the Champions League since November 2014.
Gabriel Magalhaes should have extended Arsenal’s lead in the 15th minute but sent his towering header wide from a corner kick.
Set pieces continued to trouble Dinamo throughout the first half, though the visitors gradually found their footing.
Martin Baturina threatened in the 32nd minute after Jakub Kiwior’s error in possession.
Jurrien Timber was also caught in his own half, leading to another anxious moment for the hosts.
Dinamo manager Fabio Cannavaro left the field at half-time with his side still in contention, despite Arsenal enjoying 61 percent possession.
The Gunners had managed just two shots on target despite their dominance.
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Martin Odegaard wrapped up a perfect night for Arsenal
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The visitors showed renewed energy after the break, finding clever combinations to bypass Arsenal’s midfield.
Arteta responded with changes in the 58th minute, bringing on Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri for Timber and Sterling.
Arsenal’s dominance in possession wasn’t translating into clear chances until the crucial second goal arrived in the 66th minute.
Martinelli delivered an excellent cross into the box, met perfectly by Havertz’s header to make it 2-0.
Kai Havertz was bang amongst the goals after a difficult spell
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The German striker’s goal marked his 14th of the season, further strengthening his case as Arsenal’s main forward.
Rice nearly added his second of the night with a close-range effort, but couldn’t convert the opportunity.
Odegaard completed the scoring in injury time, capping off a comprehensive victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal will travel to Girona next week for their final group match, knowing their place in the last 16 is all but secured.
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Arsenal look almost destined to be in the last 16 of the Champions League
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Only an extraordinary sequence of results in the final round of group matches could deny Mikel Arteta’s side automatic qualification.
The defeat left Dinamo Zagreb in the elimination places ahead of their final match at home to AC Milan.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to their Premier League clash with Wolves at the weekend.