Arsenal have risen strongly after a recent defeat and won a resounding 3-0 victory over Club Brugge to maintain their winning streak in the Champions League. Two goals by Noni Madueke and a goal by Gabriel Martinelli helped the "Gunners" complete a difficult task in Belgium and maintain the top position.
Madueke took Arsenal to the lead with a super goal worthy of being a candidate for the best goal in the Champions League this season. The Gunners' four-man defense, which was lacking in strength due to injuries, had to work hard to avoid being equalized before the break, in which David Raya had a series of excellent saves.
Immediately after the break, Madueke doubled Arsenal's lead with a simple finish. Not long after, Martinelli - in a desire to score - fired a beautiful shot, sealing a resounding victory for the "Gunners"
It was a completely positive night for Arsenal. 16-year-old talent Marli Salmon made his debut from the bench, while Gabriel Jesus also marked his return from injury.
After a regrettable 1-2 loss to Aston Villa, Arsenal returned to the Champions League arena as the leader of the rankings. Having won all 5 opening matches, their goal is to maintain their position in the top two. This will give Mikel Arteta and his team a home advantage throughout the knockout rounds.
The return of Noni Madueke
As if Arsenal were not worried enough about the injury situation, Madueke had a hand injury in the first minutes of the match and needed medical attention. Arteta even gave Bukayo Saka a warm-up when he thought the Gunners winger would have to leave the pitch early.
Luckily for Arsenal, Madueke was still able to continue playing and he took advantage of the opportunity perfectly. Receiving the ball right in Brugge's half, the former Chelsea star overcame Joaquin Seys' blocker, causing the left-back to fall helplessly.
Madueke then rushed straight towards the penalty area and fired a shot to the left with his left foot from about 25m away. The ball hit the crossbar and fell straight into the net, causing Dani van den Heuvel to completely stand still. It was a reminder of the depth of the squad Arsenal currently possess.
Gabriel Martinelli makes history
With worrying signs at the end of the first half, Arsenal understood that they needed more goals to soon decide the match.
Just a few minutes after the second half started, Madueke completed his double with a simple header into the far corner of the goal, ending an accurate pass from Martin Zubimendi. Zubimendi continued to make his mark with the second assist in the match, this time for Martinelli.
Receiving the ball from the left wing and cutting into the middle, the Brazilian player fired a shot from a distance similar to Madueke's opening goal. The ball swirled and hooked into the upper right corner of the goal, raising the score to 3-0.
This goal also helped Martinelli become the first Arsenal player to score in 5 consecutive matches in the Champions League - a really impressive performance.
David Raya's excellent form
Throughout the first 45 minutes of the match, Arsenal continuously let Club Brugge find space for counter-attacks.
Just a few minutes after Carlos Forbs missed the opportunity to threaten Raya's goal with a shot, Arsenal's defense was put in a dangerous situation. A delicate pass from Hans Vanaken opens up a clear opportunity for Aleksandar Stankovic to run down to face the goalkeeper. This midfielder fired a strong shot into the bottom right corner, thinking it would definitely bring the equalizer for the Belgian team.
But Raya had a great reflex, flying a spectacular saves, helping Arsenal maintain the advantage and bringing clear relief to his teammates.
