Arsenal have written their name into Champions League history, becoming the first club to win all eight matches in the league phase after edging Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty 3–2 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The result sealed top spot for Mikel Arteta’s men and confirmed their automatic place in the round of 16, with the added advantage of playing the second leg of the knockout ties at home, provided they keep progressing.
Already qualified before kick-off, Arsenal treated the game like a victory lap — and still got the job done.
Tournament debutants Kairat Almaty finished rock-bottom of the 36-team table with just one point from eight matches and were never truly a threat to the Premier League leaders.
Arteta rang the changes, making 11 alterations from the side that suffered their first home defeat of the season against Manchester United on Sunday. Yet Arsenal’s depth showed, with the return of Kai Havertz stealing the spotlight.
The German midfielder, making his first start in almost a year after a nightmare spell with injuries, announced his comeback in style.
Just two minutes into the contest, Havertz split the Kairat defence with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to smash home his 10th goal of the season.
Kairat briefly threatened a shock when Jorginho converted from the penalty spot to level matters, but Arsenal responded almost immediately.
Havertz restored the lead with a thumping strike from the edge of the box, marking his first goal of the season.
The former Chelsea Champions League final hero then turned provider again, delivering the cross that Gabriel Martinelli tucked away to make it 3–1.
Kairat grabbed a consolation late on through Ricardinho deep into stoppage time, ending their difficult Champions League debut with a rare moment of celebration.
