Arsenal's Returning Hero Delivers Masterclass as Gunners Shatter Records Against Kairat

Even without their strongest lineup, Arsenal controlled the match and secured a comfortable 3–2 victory against Kairat, making history as the first club in Champions League competition to complete the league phase with an unblemished record.

Viktor Gyøkeres found the net within the opening two minutes, though his early strike was swiftly neutralized by a Paulinho spot-kick just five minutes afterward. Subsequently, Kai Havertz, making his first appearance in the starting eleven this campaign, complemented his earlier setup with his inaugural goal for Arsenal since February 2, 2025.

Gabriel Martinelli contributed a third strike before halftime, and while Mikel Arteta's squad maintained their superiority throughout, Kairat managed the sole second-half goal with the final touch of the match.

Arsenal maintain their flawless record following eight European fixtures this season, a remarkable journey that decisively placed them at the summit of the league phase table, advancing to the knockout round as the leading contenders to claim their maiden Champions League title by campaign's conclusion.

Heroes and Villains

Heroes and Villains

It has been 358 days since Kai Havertz last started for Arsenal

He has a goal and TWO assists after 40 minutes in North London pic.twitter.com/uqMbEAdZTL

Heroes

Heroes

What a spectacular way to completely declare your comeback on the grandest platform, Kai Havertz.

The German forward entered Wednesday's encounter having featured for merely 59 minutes this season, yet in his inaugural start and first Champions League outing of the campaign, he commanded the spotlight. Havertz displayed brilliance, vitality, accuracy and complete ruthlessness. Contributing a goal and assist—it could have been two assists—he required only 45 minutes to demonstrate that Arsenal's finest winter reinforcement might be a returning internal option.

Detractors have been justifiably vocal regarding Viktor Gyökeres since his Arsenal arrival last summer. However, against Kairat, the striker demonstrated precisely why he ranked among the world's most sought-after forwards eight months prior.

The Swedish international dominated Kairat's defensive line throughout the evening, asserting his presence to crushing effect. Gyökeres initiated the scoring with a strike reminiscent of his Sporting CP repertoire, created space that liberated Havertz for Arsenal's second, and earned an assist through a slight deflection on his team's third goal.

Villain

Villain

The singular flaw in Arsenal's commanding display originated from Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian presented Kairat with an unnecessary penalty during a moment of obvious anxiety, allowing the visitors to briefly level the score early in the fixture.

While Calafiori managed to compose himself, he was subsequently withdrawn at the interval following his careless error.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Kairat (4-3-3)

Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Kairat (4-3-3)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—6.4: Powerless to prevent the penalty and that represented the sole occasion his intervention was required.

RB: Ben White—8.2: Sporting the captain's armband, White performed impeccably in defense, even after moving to a central position following the break, and contributed an assist in what proved an outstanding evening for him.

CB: Cristhian Mosquera—7.8: A relaxed display from the Spanish defender, who devoted considerably more time initiating Arsenal attacks from deep positions than actually requiring defensive duties.

CB: Riccardo Calafiori—6.9: On an evening of triumph, Calafiori bore responsibility for the sole disappointing incident, recklessly conceding a penalty in a moment of panic that resulted in a booking and halftime substitution.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—7.4: Despite receiving only 45 minutes to make an impression, the youth product remained consistently active along the left wing and made correct choices at virtually every opportunity.

DM: Christian Nørgaard—7.8: In merely his seventh Arsenal start, Nørgaard displayed no indication of match sharpness issues, consistently winning possession and enabling Arsenal's other midfield players to venture forward freely.

AM: Kai Havertz—8.3: In his season debut as a starter, Havertz illustrated precisely his potential contribution, recording two goal involvements while also playing a significant role in a third.

AM: Eberechi Eze—8.4: May feel frustrated not to achieve any goal contributions, yet Eze still demonstrated flashes of his ability and generated more scoring opportunities than any other player on the field.

RW: Noni Madueke—7.9: Produced a first-half moment where he seemed to channel peak Neymar but failed to convert and remained relatively subdued for the remainder of the contest.

ST: Viktor Gyökeres—8.7: Likely his finest showing in Arsenal colors as Kairat found no solution to his physical presence, particularly during the opening period. Netted an excellent goal and secured a fortunate assist that Havertz might feel was rightfully his.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli—8.7: Though somewhat inconsistent, he did register his sixth Champions League strike of the season—only Thierry Henry has achieved more in a single campaign for Arsenal with seven.

Subs not used: Jack Porter (GK), Tommy Setford (GK), Gabriel, Marli Salmon, Martín Zubimendi, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard.

What The Ratings Tell Us

What The Ratings Tell Us

The Statistics That Define Arsenal's Historic Achievement

The Statistics That Define Arsenal's Historic Achievement