BY OUR CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER
AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM
ARSENAL wrote their names into the history books last night as they became the first-ever side to storm through the Champions League league phase with a 100 per cent record.
Mikel Arteta’s men survived a late wobble to sink Kazakh underdogs Kairat Almaty 3-2, making it eight wins from eight in a European campaign that is starting to look like a destiny. But the real headline wasn’t just the record—it was the sensational return of Kai Havertz.
Making his first start of the season after a long injury layoff, the German playmaker looked like he’d never been away.
It took just two minutes for Havertz to split the Kairat defense with a laser-guided ball for Viktor Gyokeres, who ruthlessly smashed home the opener.
The Emirates was stunned into silence shortly after when Jorginho—playing for the visitors—slotted a penalty past Kepa Arrizabalaga after Riccardo Calafiori was judged to have tugged him back in the box.
But stars always shine brightest under the North London lights.
On 15 minutes, Havertz turned from provider to predator, chasing down a Ben White long ball, cutting inside, and curling a sublime left-footed beauty into the top corner.
MARTINELLI MAKES IT THREE
The Gunners were purring.
Gabriel Martinelli ensured the points were safe before the break, tapping in at the back post after a frantic goalmouth scramble involving—you guessed it—Havertz.
Arteta, clearly with one eye on the weekend, withdrew his star man at half-time. Without Havertz’s clinical edge, Arsenal took their foot off the gas in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus saw a late fourth ruled out by a whisker for offside, before Ricardinho headed home a stoppage-time consolation for the visitors to give the scoreline a nervy look.
Despite the late goal, the night belonged to the Gunners.
Arteta, celebrating his 200th win as manager, has turned the Emirates into a fortress that even the most stubborn European travelers can’t crack.
With eight wins from eight, Arsenal head into the Round of 16 as the undisputed team to beat. If Havertz stays fit, Europe better watch out.
