Arsenal's Strategy to Destroy Atletico in 13 Minutes

LONDON, TUESDAY — If the events from the 57th to the 70th minute had been omitted, Atletico Madrid might have returned home with points from Arsenal's home ground. In reality, the visiting team was humiliated with a four-goal defeat. Arsenal's eruption during that 13-minute span made all the difference.

The final result of the Champions League group stage match at the Emirates Stadium, London, England, on Wednesday (22/10/2025) early morning WIB, did not align with predictions. With the resilience of both Arsenal and Atletico in defense, the duel was expected to be low-scoring. However, the match turned out to be one-sided with many goals scored.

Atletico actually appeared to be doing well during the first 56 minutes. The team, coached by Diego Simeone, continued to be pressured but was still able to neutralize Arsenal's attacks. Until finally, Arsenal took the lead through defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the 57th minute. The home team went on a rampage after that.

"It is not easy. We felt we were in the game and could take home points. Then, towards the end of the match, suddenly there was a 'bam, bam, bam, bam'. Suddenly the match was over. It was a very difficult match. They are one of the best teams at the moment," said Atletico defender David Hancko.

Arsenal doubled their lead through winger Gabriel Martinelli in the 64th minute. Then, six minutes later, striker Viktor Gyokeres ended their goal drought with a brace. Gyokeres's brace completed the Gunners' 4-0 victory.

There are at least three factors that triggered Arsenal's eruption, namely set-piece weapons, match momentum, and changes in manager Mikel Arteta's strategy. Arsenal's set-piece execution is well-known to be dangerous in the Premier League, but it is rarely seen in the Champions League. This time, that deadly weapon was utilized.

Atletico is not the best team when it comes to set pieces. About a month ago, they suffered a defeat against Liverpool due to conceding a goal from a corner kick. This weakness was exploited by Arsenal, through a collaboration between midfielder Declan Rice's pass and Gabriel's header.

After trailing 0-1, Simone changed tactics. He introduced three players simultaneously to adopt a more offensive approach, namely Conor Gallagher, Alex Baena, and Matteo Ruggeri. This decision turned out to be a mistake. "They were more open and made it easier for us to find space," said Arteta.

Arteta's strategic changes also played a role. In the first half, Arsenal heavily leaned on attacks from the right side through Bukayo Saka. Due to its ineffectiveness and predictability, the direction of the attack was shifted to the left side. Martinelli then became the focal point of "The Gunners" attack after the halftime break.

As a result, a pair of additional goals for Arsenal were created from actions on the left side. The second goal originated from a transitional situation. The dribbling action of wing-back Myles Lewis-Skelly in the midfield ended with a through pass to Martinelli. Meanwhile, Gyokeres' first goal was initiated by a cross from Martinelli from the wing.

In the final goal, Arsenal once again demonstrated dominance in set-piece situations. After the first from a free kick, this time it was from a corner kick. Rice was the provider once more. The difference was that Gabriel did not head the ball directly into the goal, but instead provided an assist for Gyokeres.

Simeone stated that his team was outmatched in tenacity and quality. "Since the 60th minute, they were the better team. I can say that they are the best team we have faced this season. They competed very well, continuously running and running. They have quality across the entire field," he remarked.

For Arsenal, the emphatic victory is very significant. In addition to maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League, with three wins from three matches, they were also able to see Gyokeres' name on the scoreboard again. The Swedish national team striker had experienced a goal drought in seven matches.

"Si Topeng," the nickname for Gyokeres, was chosen to receive the best player award in the match. "Both of my goals are equally great. I am just trying to do my best and work hard, contributing in other ways. In the end, goals will come sooner or later," he said.

Together with the defensive duo Gabriel and William Saliba, Arsenal has once again demonstrated resilience in defense. They have not conceded a goal in the last 360 minutes. Meanwhile, Atletico managed to record only one shot on target at the Emirates Stadium. (AP/REUTERS)