Softfootball understands that Arsenal wrapped up the UEFA Champions League league phase in style, claiming a club-record eighth straight European win with a 3-2 victory over Kairat Almaty and sealing a flawless record at the top of the table.
After the game Arsenal shared a post about the result via their official X account.
Following their recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United after a 3-1 victory against Inter Milan, Mikel Arteta’s side showed early intent. Inside two minutes, Viktor Gyökeres burst through onto Kai Havertz’s perfectly weighted pass and calmly slotted a right-footed finish beyond Temirlan Anarbekov to set the tone.
Kairat, already eliminated, responded with a moment of unexpected drama. Riccardo Calafiori was penalised for a tug on Jorginho inside the area, and the Portuguese midfielder made no mistake from the spot to level the scores. It was only the third goal Arsenal had conceded in the whole league phase.
That didn’t last long. Havertz, without a goal in almost a year, restored Arsenal’s lead by collecting Ben White’s delivery down the right, cutting inside and rifling a sharp finish past Anarbekov.
The Gunners then appeared to put the game to bed when Gabriel Martinelli finished from close range after a slick move, a goal that survived a lengthy VAR offside check.
From there, Arsenal eased off slightly, rarely moving out of second gear. Noni Madueke tested Anarbekov from a distance, while Gabriel Jesus saw a late effort ruled out for offside after a clever pass from Christian Nørgaard.
Kairat showed pride in stoppage time, pulling one back through Ricardinho’s header from Valery Gromyko’s cross. It changed little. Arsenal made it 17 straight European home wins in group or league phases.
Kairat bow out with just a single point, but their historic campaign still gave them moments to remember. Arsenal, meanwhile, march on as one of the favourites, whether doubts linger or not.
