Arsenal secured their place in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 home victory against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2025. The Gunners, now virtually guaranteed a top-eight finish, delivered a commanding performance to continue their ascent within the prestigious competition.
The match kicked off at 8:00 PM local time, and within just two minutes, Declan Rice fired Arsenal ahead. A beautifully weighted low cross from Gabriel Martinelli found Kai Havertz, who cushioned it perfectly for Rice. The midfielder then smashed the ball through four defenders from twelve yards, marking his first Champions League goal. The Gunners started strong, establishing their dominance early and setting the tone for the match.
Following Rice's opener, Arsenal maintained considerable possession but struggled to extend their lead during the first half, with numerous chances wasted. The Croatian side managed to hold firm after their rocky start, forcing Arsenal to stay vigilant defensively.
Dinamo Zagreb, under the management of Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro, faced hurdles from early on. Despite falling behind, they reminded the home crowd of their ability to counterattack. Their attempts, though, lacked the finishing quality needed to threaten Arsenal's defense significantly.
Arsenal's health was far from perfect heading toward the match. Manager Mikel Arteta was still dealing with several key injuries, including to William Saliba, and had opted for rotational changes after inconsistent domestic results. This heightened the importance of the match, not just to solidify their European campaign but to rebuild momentum and confidence within the squad.
Pressure turned to advantage as Arsenal netted their second goal of the night during the 66th minute. Once again, Martinelli was key, providing another pinpoint cross after maneuvering through the Dinamo defense. Havertz, buoyed by his recent form, completed the move with authority, heading the ball past goalkeeper Dominik Nevistić to double Arsenal's lead. The crowd of over 60,000 erupted, sensing the victory within reach.
Although Dinamo Zagreb made attempts to respond, the Arsenal defense held steady. The match shifted back and forth, with several substitutions from Arteta aiming to inject fresh energy as the clock wound down. Young talents like Ethan Nwaneri began to shine, displaying poise and skill, which is incredibly promising for Arsenal's future.
Closing out the match, Martin Ødegaard added Arsenal's final goal during stoppage time (90'+1). After some deft interplay, Leandro Trossard crossed to the Norwegian, who simply tapped the ball home. This third goal not only secured the win but also emphasized Arsenal's intent to progress far within the prestigious tournament.
Final whistle blew, and the score read 3-0, leaving Arsenal with 16 points from their six group stage games. This excellent result not only bolstered their position within the tournament but also allowed the Gunners to bypass the dreaded first knockout round as one of the top-eight finishers, avoiding additional midweek fixtures.
Looking forward, Arsenal's next challenge will be against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 27, 2025. The victory over Dinamo is seen as pivotal, bringing renewed optimism to the squad after recent domestic disappointments.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb must regroup quickly as they prepare for their final league phase match against AC Milan. Though their Champions League aspirations are dwindling, the Croatian champions have exhibited resilience and may yet mount one final push.
This match against Arsenal showcased the tactical brilliance of Arteta, who was determined to reinforce Arsenal's legacy as they continue competing at Europe's elite level. The Gunners appear ready to make significant strides both domestically and internationally, as they look to combine flair and discipline on the pitch.
Post-match, Declan Rice expressed his satisfaction, saying: “I’m getting in the right positions, I’m annoyed I didn’t get the second. The manager has been hard on us about midfielders arriving because so many goals can come from there.” His performance was pivotal, and the midfield's contribution became the foundation upon which this victory was built.