Arsenal Look Untouchable in Champions League After Dominant Victory Over Inter

Arsenal continue to assert themselves as Europe’s premier side with a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at San Siro on Tuesday, Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners delivered a performance that reinforced their status as arguably the best team on the continent.

With seven wins from seven league-phase games, Arsenal top the standings and are on course to finish the first phase as group winners. Scoring 20 goals while conceding just two, the Gunners have set a remarkable record, suggesting that they could end the season with at least one major trophy and potentially secure their first Premier League title in over two decades.

Tuesday’s game also highlighted Arteta’s tactical acumen. Several key players, including English midfielder Declan Rice and Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, were rested at the start, with Gyökeres entering from the bench to net Arsenal’s third goal in the second half. Despite rotation, Arsenal’s performance demonstrated the considerable gap in quality between themselves and Inter, last season’s Champions League finalists.

Both sides appear secure in terms of qualification from the group stage, with Arsenal expected to finish top and secure home advantage in the round of 16 second legs. Inter, on the other hand, face a more precarious position. Should they fail to finish in the top eight, they may have to contest the playoff round — a scenario exacerbated by narrow 1-0 defeats to Atlético Madrid away and Liverpool at San Siro in December. Inter’s struggles against Europe’s top teams have become a recurring issue, highlighting a key challenge for coach Cristian Chivu as the 2025–26 season enters its critical stages.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Chivu praised Arsenal’s quality and intensity, stating:
"Arsenal impressed me more than any other team. They always make the right play and consistently cause problems with players like Saka. They make the correct decisions. The Premier League is top in terms of intensity, and in Italy we’re not used to that. We are trying to introduce that aspect, but it’s not easy. We are growing step by step and need to be confident that we are doing the right things."

Inter’s struggles against elite opposition have been evident in Serie A, where they failed to beat Napoli (one loss and one draw) and suffered defeats to AC Milan and Juventus. In Europe, after victories against Ajax, Slavia Prague, Kairat, and Union SG, they were defeated by Atlético Madrid, Liverpool, and now Arsenal. Their upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund will be pivotal in avoiding the playoffs — a concern Arsenal need not face this season.

Arsenal’s dominance in Milan not only showcased their squad depth and tactical flexibility but also emphasised their credentials as serious contenders for silverware on multiple fronts this season.