Arsenal 3-2 Kairat: Havertz and Gyokeres star as Gunners complete 100% Champions League record
Arsenal completed a flawless Champions League league phase on Wednesday night with a 3-2 victory over Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium.
The win sealed a perfect eight wins from eight and confirmed top spot in the standings.
Mikel Arteta’s side had already secured automatic qualification for the last 16, but approached the final fixture with authority and intent.
A heavily rotated Arsenal lineup still delivered control and quality, particularly in a dominant first-half display.
The breakthrough arrived almost immediately.
After just two minutes, Kai Havertz threaded a precise through ball into Viktor Gyokeres, who powered a low finish beyond Temirlan Anarbekov.
The early lead briefly stunned the visitors but Arsenal’s momentum was checked moments later.
Riccardo Calafiori was penalised for a pull inside the area and Jorginho converted the resulting penalty to level the score.
It was a rare concession for an Arsenal side that had been defensively secure throughout the league phase.
The response was swift and decisive.
Havertz, making his first start in almost a year, restored Arsenal’s lead with a powerful left-footed finish after driving inside from the right.
The goal capped an impressive return for the German, who operated with confidence and sharpness in an advanced midfield role.
Arsenal continued to press and created chances in waves.
Gyokeres was heavily involved, stretching the defence and finding space, even if his finishing deserted him at key moments.
The third goal arrived before the break and underlined Arsenal’s superiority.
A low cross from Havertz was helped on by Gyokeres and turned home by Gabriel Martinelli from close range.
It effectively settled the contest before half-time.
Arteta withdrew Havertz at the interval with the job done, mindful of his recent injury history.
The second half was played at a calmer tempo, with Arsenal managing the game comfortably.
Gabriel Jesus saw a late effort ruled out for offside as the hosts threatened to extend their lead.
Kairat showed resilience and pride despite their elimination.
They pulled a goal back late on when Ricardinho headed in at the back post.
The consolation did little to alter the narrative of the night.
Arsenal had already made their statement.
The final whistle confirmed a historic achievement.
More importantly, they enter the knockout stages with momentum, depth and belief.
It was the ideal European response after domestic disappointment for Arteta.
For Arsenal, the perfect league phase sets the platform for much bigger tests to come.
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