Arsenal produced a commanding performance in Belgium on Wednesday, defeating Club Brugge 3–0 to make it six wins from six in the Champions League league phase and all but secure a direct place in the last 16.
Gatekeepers News reports that Noni Madueke was the star of the night, scoring a spectacular long-range strike in the first half before heading in another moments after the restart. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory with a trademark curling effort from the edge of the box.
Injury-hit Arsenal have now conceded just one goal in the competition this season. The Gunners had already qualified for the knockout phase before travelling to Bruges, but their perfect record places them firmly on course for a top-eight finish—granting automatic entry into the round of 16 and avoiding a play-off.
Wednesday’s win was a strong response from Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders, who suffered their first defeat since August in a 2–1 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend.
Brugge, under returning manager Ivan Leko following the dismissal of Nicky Hayen on Monday, struggled to contain Arsenal’s intensity. The visitors nearly took an early lead when Piero Hincapie diverted a Myles Lewis-Skelly shot onto the post. Minutes later, Madueke opened the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike that crashed in off the underside of the bar.
Brugge showed signs of life late in the first half, with Aleksandar Stankovic and Christos Tzolis both forcing saves from David Raya. But Arsenal quickly reasserted control after the break, as Madueke headed in Martin Zubimendi’s cross to double the lead.
Martinelli, who has featured sparingly this season, made it 3–0 in the 56th minute before substitute Gabriel Jesus—returning after an 11-month absence—hit the crossbar as Arsenal pushed for a fourth.
Brugge, aside from a few moments of threat from Carlos Forbs, were unable to trouble the visitors, who cruised to another convincing European win.
