Arsenal’s Perfect European Run Rolls On in Bruges
So, the story from Belgium tonight is pretty straightforward: Arsenal showed up, took control, and walked away with a convincing 3–0 win over Club Brugge. And honestly, what stands out most is how calm and commanding the performance felt, even with a heavily rotated lineup. It was one of those nights where everything clicked, and the result never really felt in doubt.
The first big talking point was Noni Madueke. With Bukayo Saka rested, Madueke was given the right-wing role he prefers, and that trust was rewarded almost instantly. His first goal arrived midway through the first half, and it couldn’t have been struck any sweeter. After carrying the ball forward from deep, he wriggled past multiple challenges and unleashed a left-footed rocket from about 25 yards. It flew straight into the top corner. The kind of finish that makes the whole stadium pause before reacting. Moments like that are exactly why Mikel Arteta backed his big-money signing in the summer, even when fans were unsure.
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Then he doubled his tally early in the second half, this time with a smart header from a perfectly placed Martin Zubimendi cross. Two goals, two very different finishes, but both showing a player full of confidence and finally delivering the kind of end product he’s been working toward.
Not to be overshadowed, Gabriel Martinelli produced a moment of his own. Starting because Leo Trossard was unavailable, he cut inside from the left and curled a gorgeous strike into the far corner. That goal made him the first Arsenal player ever to score in five straight Champions League matches — a remarkable achievement and one that highlights just how influential he’s becoming on big European nights.
All of this was happening while Arsenal dealt with more injury issues in defence. With multiple center-backs out and Jurrien Timber not involved, Christian Norgaard had to be shifted into a defensive role, and Viktor Gyokeres was recalled for his first start in nearly six weeks. Even Gabriel Jesus returned to action late on, stepping onto the pitch for the first time in 332 days. For a team that once looked thin up front, those are encouraging signs.
Brugge, meanwhile, had their own disruptions. Their veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was injured in the warm-up, and the match doubled as the first outing for new manager Ivan Leko. The atmosphere around the club was already tense following the departure of the popular Nicky Hayen, and while Brugge did threaten on the break, especially through Carlos Forbs, they simply lacked the cutting edge Arsenal showed.
By the end, Arteta’s men had secured their sixth win in six Champions League games, guaranteeing automatic progression and giving the manager the chance to rest key players later on. It was professional, polished, and packed with quality — the kind of performance that keeps making Arsenal look like genuine contenders in Europe.
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