Arsenal will hope the 2025/26 season goes their way. Mikel Arteta’s men have started the season strongly, leading the show in Premier League in addition to starting with a 100% win record in the UEFA Champions League. After the heartbreak of last season where they perished to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, Arsenal know they will need to produce that mit of magic to go deep and long this time.
Since last season, a lot of things have changed and several positive things have also stayed. When you look at the recruitment. Arsenal roped in players with pedigree and addressed two issues – getting a proven striker and bolstering their forward line with depth.
What remained from last season is their top-notch defense and they further made additions to get a solid look. Arsenal, who remain one of the best defensive sides in Europe, look more of a complete team.
So can they challenge for the Champions League title this season? Let’s figure out.
4-0 drubbing of Atletico Madrid
The Gunners made a strong statement on Matchday 3 of the Champions League by defeating La Liga giants Atletico Madrid 4-0. The win came on the back of a stunning performance from striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored twice. Defender Gabriel and winger Gabriel Martinelli were also amongst the goals. All 4 goals came in the 2nd half. The manner in which Arsenal limited Diego Simeone’s Atletico, it showed how Artete’s men have stepped up a level.
100% win record and no goals conceded
After three Matchdays, Arsenal own a 100% win record. They started the campaign by defeating Athletic Club 2-0 away, This was followed by a 2-0 win against Greek side Olympiacos at home. And now, the London-based club took down Spanish opponents Atletico at home.
After three matches, Arsenal have scored 8 goals and are yet to concede. They remain one of the two sides alongside Inter to not concede any goal this season.
Home fortress
Arsenal have not conceded a single goal under Arteta in their last 9 Champions League home games in the group/league phase. They have scored 27 times and conceded 0 goals.
A terrific start to the season
The Gunners have started on a strong note this season in all competitions. They have played 12 matches so far, winning 10 of them. Their only defeat came against Liverpool in the Premier League. It was a 1-0 affair. They drew 1-1 against Manchester City in the Premier League.
Besides their three wins in the Champions League, they have won six games in the Premier League from 8 appearances. They also won their EFL Cup 3rd-round clash against Port Vale.
A majestic defensive record and threat from set pieces
Out of the 12 games in all competitions played this season, Arteta’s men have kept nine clean sheets. The 4-0 win over Atletico means they have now kept four consecutive clean sheets. In addition, they have allowed just one shot on target in their last three games.
Arsenal have scored 25 goals across these 12 matches. They have shipped in only three. This is the fewest they have let in their first 12 games of a season.
The season has also witnessed Artete’s men score 10 goals just from set-pieces, showcasing their dominance in both defense and attack.
Interestingly, goalkeeper David Raya has only had to make one save in his last three games. And what makes things more interesting is that only one player has scored against them from open play this season – Erling Haaland of Manchester City in a 1-1 draw.
As per Squawka, the match against Atletico Madrid was the fourth time this season that they scored twice from set-pieces in a single game.
Can Gyokeres make the difference?
Gyokeres, who was signed for a guaranteed fee of £55 million, with an additional £8.5 million in add-ons this summer, could turn out to be a clutch figure. Versus Atletico, not only did he score but also played selflessly, creating space for teammates like Bukayo Saka and Martinelli.
The player has started the season with 5 goals for Arsenal in all competitions. If he can carry this form into future matches, Arsenal will have another potent weapon at their disposal.
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