Before the match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, fans predicted a "boring match", where Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone will perform a tactical, defensive defense and fierce competition.
However, the Emirates Stadium exploded in applause as Mikel Arteta's team had one of the most enthusiastic performances of the season.
Arsenal's second goal was one of the most impressive moments of the match. Myles Lewis-Skelly made a strong breakthrough, opening the shot for Gabriel Martinelli to launch the perfect curler into the far corner.
That moment not only helped Arsenal increase the score to 2-0, it also took away the practical shell that many people assigned them since the beginning of the season.
The power of diversity
The 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid is not only beautiful in terms of score, it is also an affirmation that Arsenal can win in many ways. In the second half, the home team created an attack whirlwind with a series of top-notch handling such as Declan Rice's accurate crosses, Gabriel's superior aerial ability, Martinelli's explosions, bold breakthroughs from Lewis-Skelly and shots from Eberechi Eze or Viktor Gyokeres.
Interestingly, most of those goals were not directly featured by Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber - the duo who stirred up the right wing throughout the first half. That shows that Arsenal are no longer dependent on any individual.
Arteta and the calculated explosion
At the beginning of the season, Arsenal was criticized as a machine for relying too much on set pieces. Mikel Arteta understands that with 8 new players and many key players injured, he needs to lay a solid foundation before allowing the team to show a more brilliant style.
Now, the attack seeds have begun to sprout. The combination of Eze, Saka and Timber creates a very promising right triangle. In midfield, Martin Zubimendi has become a new brain with the ability to process quickly and pass the ball accurately. On the left, names like Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard, or the young couple Lewis-Skelly - Martinelli continuously create breakthroughs.
Even Ethan Nwaneri, who was only put on the field for the last few minutes, showed more desire and efficiency than before. The fair competition for positions has caused the whole team to develop evenly. This is a sign of a large and strong team.
At the top European teams, the most important thing is that every player is ready. Everyone plays a different role in each match but all are aimed for a goal of winning" - Mikel Arteta shared.
Not just a defense and a dead ball
Disposing criticism, Arsenal showed a football full of energy, creativity and variety of ideas. Arteta did not deny the importance of the dead ball but affirmed that it was only a part of the overall picture.
The Arsenal captain said: "We are always ready to attack opponents in all positions, as much as possible. The last match was perfect and we continue to pursue that way of playing."
Balance is still the core
Despite the big win, Arteta has always emphasized organization. At the end of the match, Nwaneri retreated to clear the ball right on the goal line. Notably, there were 4 Arsenal players coming in to support. That is a typical image of a cohesive team, where defense and attack are combined to form one of Arteta's philosophies.
Arsenal are now one of two teams (along with Inter Milan) yet to concede a goal in the Champions League and have started scoring in various ways. This comprehensiveness makes the "Gunners" more fearsome than ever.
There will be matches where The Gunners play in line with the fans' expectations, that is a team that knows how to win beautifully. The season is still long but it is clear that Arteta is gradually perfecting an Arsenal of harmony, between art and practice, between discipline and creativity.
