⚽ Match goals
Goal: Gabriel Jesus – 10’ – Arsenal
Goal: Petar Sucic – 18’ – Inter Milan
Goal: Gabriel Jesus – 31’ – Arsenal
Goal: Viktor Gyokeres – 84’ – Arsenal
Jesus shines as rotated Arsenal dominate in Milan
Arsenal sealed Champions League last-16 qualification with a controlled 3–1 victory over Inter Milan at San Siro, powered by a double from Gabriel Jesus and a late strike from Viktor Gyokeres, extending their perfect European record this season.
With a Premier League clash against Manchester United, coached by Michael Carrick, looming at the weekend, Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the side that had drawn at Nottingham Forest. Despite the rotation, Arsenal dominated possession and tempo from the opening exchanges, showing both depth and tactical maturity.
Early breakthrough settles Arsenal
The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute when Gabriel Jesus reacted quickest inside the box to turn home a loose ball from close range. Afterwards, the striker described the moment as deeply emotional, saying the goal left him with “tears in my eyes”, adding that scoring at San Siro was something he had dreamed of since childhood.
Inter responded strongly and drew level in the 18th minute, when Petar Sucic unleashed a superb long-range strike into the top corner, briefly reigniting the contest and lifting the home crowd.
Jesus restores control before the break
Arsenal regained the advantage in the 31st minute following another dangerous set-piece. A corner was recycled into the area and Gabriel Jesus was again perfectly placed, finishing from close range to complete his brace and restore control for the visitors.
Arteta later praised his striker’s influence, saying “the bigger the game, the more comfortable he looks,” while adding that the performance could not have been scripted any better ahead of the weekend trip to Manchester United.
Gyokeres delivers late statement
Inter attempted to increase the tempo after the interval, but Arsenal’s defensive structure remained solid, with Saliba and Timber limiting space in transition and Raya rarely forced into serious action.
Arteta introduced Viktor Gyokeres late on, and the substitute provided the final blow in the 84th minute, exchanging passes with Saka before curling a composed finish beyond Yann Sommer to seal the win.
Jesus later welcomed the competition, saying “everyone wants to start, but if one striker scores, it helps the whole team,” underlining the positive selection headache now facing Arteta ahead of the Old Trafford showdown.
Arsenal’s seventh straight Champions League victory confirmed their top-eight finish and momentum ahead of the meeting with Manchester United, while Inter were left needing results elsewhere to secure progression.
