Despite Manchester City’s defeat to Bødo/Glimt confirming Arsenal’s top-eight finish and direct qualification for the Round of 16, the Gunners delivered an excellent display in Milan as they maintained their perfect record in the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus said before the game that his wish is to stay at Arsenal beyond this season, and he offered a timely reminder of his value with a brace at the San Siro to help guide the Gunners to victory.
The Brazilian forward broke the deadlock inside the first 10 minutes, steering Jurrien Timber’s scuffed effort past Yann Sommer.
The hosts responded just eight minutes later, as Petar Sucic was in the perfect position to produce a stunning finish into the top corner.
But Arsenal struck back in a way they have done so consistently and effectively this season - from a set-piece.
Bukayo Saka delivered the corner, Leandro Trossard nodded it back across goal, and Jesus prodded home to restore the Gunners’ lead.
Substitute Viktor Gyokeres joined in on the fun, sealing the win for Arsenal with a superb finish from outside the box.
Having already secured qualification, Arsenal now have the chance to go eight-for-eight in the group phase, finishing with a home tie against Kazakh side Kairat Almaty.
Meanwhile, the Serie A leaders head to Dortmund at the end of the month, hoping to cement their place in the top eight and avoid the dreaded playoff round.
Story of the match:
With a demanding period of four matches across four different competitions, it came as no surprise Mikel Arteta opted for plenty of rotation. Starts for Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino were expected, while Cristhian Mosquera slotted in at the back on his return from injury.
As for the hosts, Christian Chivu made four changes of his own - the standout being **Marcus Thuram**’s return to lead the line after being rested at the weekend.
The visitors started on the front foot, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino both trying their luck inside the opening minute.
It wasn’t long before the Gunners’ early intent was rewarded. A swift Arsenal transition worked the ball through to Jurrien Timber, whose effort fell kindly to Jesus, allowing the forward to divert it into the back of the net and open the scoring.
Inter were never going to go quietly, and Arsenal’s lead lasted just eight minutes before the hosts drew level.
Marcus Thuram saw his initial effort blocked, but the ball rolled perfectly into the path of Sucic, who struck first time with an inch-perfect finish, sending the San Siro into a frenzy.
Sensing an opportunity to take control, Inter came agonisingly close to taking the lead, only for Thuram to squander a glorious chance on the break after Sucic did the hard work to find him unmarked inside the box.
Yet it was Arsenal’s prolificacy from set-pieces - a tool that has haunted so many sides - that proved decisive once again, with Inter the latest victims.
Bukayo Saka’s corner found Leandro Trossard at the back-post, and his header back across goal cannoned off the crossbar, leaving Jesus with a simple finish to claim his second of the night.
The goal marked Arsenal’s 25th from set pieces this season, an astonishing 19 of which have come from corners alone.
As the first half drew to a close, David Raya produced a fine diving stop to keep the Gunners in front, denying Federico Dimarco from close range.
The Gunners had some good chances to extend their lead early into the second half; Eze’s effort lacked conviction, while Trossard’s volley flew narrowly wide of the far post.
But the visitors were constantly reminded of Inter’s quality on the break, and substitute Pio Esposito sent a warning, controlling the ball expertly on his chest before firing just wide of the target.
With the game still in the balance, an outstanding outside-of-the-foot pass from Gabriel Martinelli released Viktor Gyokeres in behind.
The Sweden international initially looked to slide Bukayo Saka through on goal, but after collecting the rebound, he kept his composure to produce a delightful finish and put the game out of reach.