Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium, defeating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in a crucial UEFA Champions League match. This victory not only brought the Gunners closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages but also marked a significant milestone as it was the club's 500th goal under manager Mikel Arteta.

The match got off to a perfect start for Arsenal, with Declan Rice scoring just two minutes in—his first goal in the Champions League—after a clever lay-off from Kai Havertz. This early goal set the tone for a dominant display, and Arsenal maintained control throughout the match. The Gunners had opportunities to extend their lead in the first half, but missed chances, including a notable miss from Gabriel, kept the scoreline at 1-0, creating a palpable tension among the home fans.

Arsenal eventually doubled their lead in the second half when Havertz headed in a well-placed delivery from Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute. With the game nearing its conclusion, Martin Ødegaard added a third goal during stoppage time, tapping in from close range, which marked a significant return to form for the captain, as it was his first goal from open play since April of the previous year. The win leaves Arsenal in a strong position in the group, with a comfortable three-point cushion over ninth-placed Aston Villa, setting them up nicely for their final group match against Girona.

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with the performance, highlighting the importance of the clean sheet and the overall dominance his team showed throughout the match. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb manager Fabio Cannavaro acknowledged the challenge of competing against a team like Arsenal, noting that conceding early made it particularly difficult for his side. With this result, Arsenal looks set to advance further in the Champions League, while Dinamo Zagreb will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.