Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter secures a top-two finish and home advantage in key knockout second legs. For bettors, that boosts Arsenal’s appeal in outright and progression markets (consider backing Arsenal to reach the quarter-finals) and supports overlays like Arsenal to score 2+ or both teams to score given their set-piece potency and Gabriel Jesus’ Champions League form.
Arsenal clinch top-two spot with 3-1 victory over Inter
Arsenal guaranteed a top-two finish in their Champions League group after a 3-1 win against Inter. Gabriel Jesus struck twice either side of Petar Sucic’s thumping equaliser, before Viktor Gyokeres capped a polished counter-attack to seal the result. The victory ensures Arsenal avoid the knockout play-offs and keep the advantage of hosting the second legs in future knockout rounds.
Match turning points
The game swung early when Jesus capitalised on pressure to open the scoring. Inter responded with Sucic’s powerful finish, but Arsenal reasserted control when Jesus nodded home from a corner routine — Arsenal’s 19th corner goal of the season. Gyokeres, introduced later, produced a memorable finish after a sublime long pass from Gabriel Martinelli put him through.
Gyokeres delivers a defining moment
Gyokeres’ goal was the night’s highlight: Martinelli sprayed a perfect outside-of-the-boot pass from deep, Gyokeres timed his run, and after a small ricochet, curled a top-corner finish. The strike underlined the impact of the substitution and gave Arsenal a decisive cushion.
Set-piece supremacy
Arsenal’s proficiency from corners proved decisive. Inter crowded their box with zonal defending and space-marking, but the delivery and clever movement created confusion, allowing a simple nod-on that Jesus finished. The 19 corner-goal tally emphasises a recurring threat opponents struggle to neutralise.
Jesus: clinical in Europe
Gabriel Jesus showed the poacher’s instincts Arsenal have lacked at times in the Premier League. The 28-year-old has a strong Champions League record for the club, with six goals in eight starts for Arsenal in the competition. His first was a reflexive finish from a cross-shot; the second a composed header from a set-piece. His form now raises selection questions for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
Inter’s first-half response and areas of threat
Inter caused Arsenal problems, particularly in the first half, by pressing effectively and exploiting midfield gaps. Arsenal were dispossessed eight times in the opening 45 minutes, allowing Inter openings on the break. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez threatened when fed directly, but failed to convert gilt-edged chances.
What topping the group (or finishing top two) means
Securing a top-two finish removes the uncertainty of a knockout play-off and guarantees Arsenal will host the second legs of the round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final should they progress — an advantage given their strong European home record and the boost of a partisan crowd.
What’s next
Inter return to Serie A action next, while Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend. Manager comments from the Arsenal camp are expected following the standard post-match press conference.
Betting implications
Arsenal’s demonstrated set-piece edge and Jesus’ Champions League scoring form strengthen their case in progression and match-goal markets. Punters may consider backing Arsenal to reach at least the quarter-finals, Arsenal to score 2+ in knockout ties, or markets emphasising Arsenal’s home advantage in second legs. Matches involving Arsenal remain attractive for goals and progression bets given their current momentum.
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The Athletic's writers analyse Tuesday night's heavyweight Champions League clash at San Siro
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