Inter Milan needs more points, but Arsenal is the team that won all 3 points. Although Mikel Arteta changed up to 7 starting positions, the "Gunners" still extended their winning streak with a seventh consecutive victory in the Champions League. They are almost certain of a top 8 spot when ahead is only the home match against Kairat Almaty.
After the match, Arteta smiled and admitted that if he had personally written the script for the 3-1 victory over Inter - the Champions League runner-up last season - he would hardly have imagined anything more perfect than Gabriel Jesus scoring a double right at the San Siro stadium.
The Brazilian striker left the field amidst loud applause from Arsenal fans in the stands, before Viktor Gyokeres entered the field and scored the winning goal. From being a concern, Arteta's attacking line selection problem has now become a major advantage of Arsenal in the decisive stage of the season.
That was a special performance by Jesus, more impressive than expected for his 2 goals. But Bukayo Saka also played very well. Cristhian Mosquera played extremely fiercely. Gabriel Martinelli's pass for Gyokeres's goal was also great.
In fact, it was a momentous moment for Arsenal. Arteta talked about their maturity, intelligence and ability to control emotions. When asked what that proves, he replied: "First of all, it is ambition and belief that we can compete with any team.
Arteta admitted that the pressure before this match was somewhat lower. In a season where he talked about having to deceive his players to make them believe that every match is the most important, this match was somewhat less stressful. Even with the changes, they still played better.
They take advantage of opportunities better and show more energy. Saka is very difficult to stop. The way they move always makes it difficult for us. We don't have many chances" - Inter coach Cristian Chivu said after the match.
Very few teams can create significant pressure against Arsenal. David Raya - who has not even had to make a save in his last 5 Premier League appearances - does not keep a clean sheet at San Siro, but is also rarely put in a dangerous situation. Arsenal is currently the team with the lowest expected goal difference (xGA) in the league, clearly demonstrating the solidity of their defense system.
However, in conversations around Arsenal, there is still a bit of hesitation. "We are getting closer. I believe we can win" - Gabriel Jesus said before the match. And that belief is completely grounded.
The Gunners are currently leading both the Premier League and the Champions League. The gap with the second-placed team in the domestic league has been widened to 7 points, even though they did not win in the last round last weekend. Arriving in Milan as the only team to win all matches in the Champions League this season, Arteta's team left San Siro with that perfect achievement being maintained, even becoming more convincing.
With one foot already in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal continues to maintain competitiveness on all four fronts under Arteta. However, history also reminds that everything is never absolutely certain. Therefore, they still need to make maximum efforts throughout the season.
