Viktor Gyokeres was back on the scoresheet in Europe once again as he opened the scoring inside the first two minutes of our win over Kairat Almaty in N5.
The Swede struck with a fine run and finish, setting the tone for our eighth win from as many league phase matches in the Champions League, as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli added further goals before half-time.
We now move on to the round of 16, having topped the league phase with a 100 per cent record, and Viktor has analysed our clash in north London with the Kazakh side.
"I think we started well, apart from the penalty that we gave away, and then yeah, I think we scored some nice goals, created some good opportunities to score even more," he explained.
"Then I think we could've done much better in the second half. We weren't playing as fast and as direct as in the first half, and yeah, I think that's why we didn't score in the second half."
Viktor's strike moves him into double figures in all competitions this season, and while he believes there is a lot more improvement to come from himself and the team, he is delighted to have netted his 10th in red and white.
Read more Arteta hails 'unbelievable' Havertz in Kairat win
Havertz's terrific curling strike marked his first start of 2025/26, and Gyokeres was impressed by Kai's display as he returned with a 45-minute appearance.
"It's a great feeling to score goals, and to help the team," he added. "I think we could've performed better overall in the game, but of course I'm always happy with scoring.
"It was great to have Kai back, and he performed great this game, even though he only played 45, so yeah, it went really well, I think."
Our no.14 has excelled in our league phase matches this term, and looks back fondly on our array of victories in the competition, highlighting two particular moments as his personal favourites to date.
His eyes, however, are firmly on the prize and progressing as far as we can when the knockout phase kicks off in March.
"I think the Inter game was great, and I think Atletico Madrid at home, one of those [would be my highlight].
"It's always fun when you come to the knockout phase, and to get closer to where we want to end in this tournament, so it's exciting times."
Wednesday's win was also a huge night for Hale End, with Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim each coming on in the second half for their senior Arsenal debuts - an achievement for which Viktor has congratulated the teenage duo and the club.
"It's amazing to see. For them to make their debut here at home must be an amazing feeling for them. It's good for us as a team to give them the chance."
Read more Report: Arsenal 3-2 Kairat Almaty
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