The Digest:
Arsenal secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro. Gabriel Jesus was the star performer, scoring two first-half goals to lead his team to a seventh consecutive league phase win. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres added a third goal late in the match to seal the victory. The result mathematically guarantees Arsenal a top-eight finish in the new league phase format and puts them six points clear at the summit ahead of a crucial domestic clash with Manchester United.
Key Points:
- The victory ensures Arsenal's progression to the lucrative last 16, a key objective for the club and a significant achievement in the revamped competition format.
- It highlights the squad's depth and resilience, with Jesus delivering a match-winning performance in a rare start after a long-term injury.
- Jesus announces his return to peak form with a decisive brace, while manager Mikel Arteta faces a positive selection dilemma with Gyokeres also scoring.
- The win reinforces Arsenal's status as a formidable force in Europe this season, maintaining a perfect record in the competition's league phase.
- The timing is ideal, building momentum and confidence ahead of a high-stakes Premier League fixture at the weekend.
Sources: Channels Television, AFP
