Arsenal made Champions League history with their eighth straight league phase victory as Kai Havertz dazzled with a 9/10 performance but Viktor Gyokeres endured mixed fortunes in 3-1 win
22:52, 28 Jan 2026Updated 22:57, 28 Jan 2026
Viktor Gyokeres had a bizarre night for Arsenal against Kairat Almaty, scoring but missing several big chances
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Viktor Gyokeres had a bizarre night for Arsenal against Kairat Almaty, scoring but missing several big chances(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Arsenal have made a historic mark in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first team to win all eight league phase matches. A last-gasp goal from Kairat prevented the Gunners from setting another record - winning eight games by two clear goals.
The north London side took an early lead thanks to Viktor Gyokeres, but their advantage was short-lived when Riccardo Calafiori fouled Jorginho (not the famous one) in the penalty area. The same player then fooled Kepa Arrizabalaga with his spot-kick.
Kai Havertz, who had assisted Gyokeres for the opener, found the back of the net himself to regain the lead, curling a stunning shot past the goalkeeper. A third goal was initially disallowed for offside when Havertz set up Gyokeres, whose shot deflected into Gabriel Martinelli's path for a smashing finish.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates
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Kai Havertz made a triumphant return for Arsenal(Image: David Price/Getty Images)
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Here's how Daily Star Sport rated the performances of the Arsenal players.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, 6 - Fooled by the penalty, diving right while the ball went left, reports Football London.
Ben White, 8 - Superb pass to assist Kai Havertz for Arsenal's second goal. Impressive performance as the armband-wearing full-back on the right.
Cristhian Mosquera, 7 - Earned massive praise from his gaffer after charging into a tackle in the opposition's half to nick the ball back. However, he did carelessly give possession away in the centre of the pitch, prompting the complete opposite response.
Riccardo Calafiori, 5 - Returned to the starting XI but immediately handed over a soft penalty, tugging at Jorginho's shirt inside the area. Was hauled off at the interval - some decent moments but a horrific instant to mark his comeback.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, 7 - Produced a gorgeous bit of link-up play to create the opening for Gyokeres which somehow resulted in just a throw-in. Impressive display from the left-back.
Christian Norgaard, 7 - Such a dependable and reliable performer who on this evidence deserves additional playing time. Consistently kept Arsenal's attacks flowing and delivered an excellent ball to Jesus in the closing stages.
Kai Havertz, 9 - His maiden start in 357 days and made an instant impression with the sublime through ball for Gyokeres. Then came his strike, drifting infield from the right flank before drilling home beyond Anarbekov. Also crafted the assist for Martinelli's goal and was withdrawn at half-time. Hugely encouraging.
Eberechi Eze, 6 - During a chaotic opening period, the attacking midfielder somehow stayed relatively anonymous. Became more influential after the break, displaying his skill set but it was a leisurely outing for the midfielder.
Noni Madueke, 7 - Plenty of flair and technique on display, but once more struggled to deliver the final product. He posed a threat and breached the defence on multiple occasions, yet the quality of his decisive pass appeared to desert him.
Viktor Gyokeres, 7 - Finished the opener brilliantly after it seemed he might have lost possession of the ball, thundering it home from the penalty area's edge. What came next, however, was the most shocking miss I've witnessed in person - a yard out, served on a silver platter, and the attempt sailed out for a throw-in. One of the most challenging performances to assess given the goal alongside some dreadful moments.
Gabriel Martinelli, 8 - Hammered home from close quarters and was grateful to VAR for overturning an on-field offside call. Rushed some other opportunities but grafted tirelessly and delivered a solid showing overall.
Substitutes:
Piero Hincapie, 6 - Faced little examination and was primarily used as a passing conductor as the Gunners circulated possession during build-up play.
Martin Odegaard, 6 - Two headed chances presented themselves and disappeared, both directed straight at the goalkeeper - not his strongest suit...
Gabriel Jesus, 6 - Came on for Viktor Gyokeres and watched a promising opportunity drift wide before having a goal chalked off, though on both occasions he mistimed his run and was caught offside.
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Brando Bailey-Joseph, N/A - Making his competitive bow, he entered to replace Gabriel Martinelli. The ball was whipped into him inside the area but his first touch let him down and it rolled into the goalkeeper's grasp - unfortunate.
Ife Ibrahim, N/A - Another young talent, who recently signed professional terms, came on late to make his debut.