Madueke brace & Martinelli strike: Arsenal send a message to European rivals

Arsenal delivered a thumping statement in Belgium as they beat Club Brugge to strengthen their position at the top of the league-phase standings and respond emphatically to last weekend’s setback.

Mikel Arteta made several changes to protect his squad after the defeat at Aston Villa, and the move paid off as Noni Madueke produced a standout performance on the right flank in Bukayo Saka’s absence.

Madueke opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, drifting inside from midfield and evading defenders before firing a rising shot in off the crossbar to set the tone for a dominant night.

Arsenal’s grip tightened further after the break when Martin Zubimendi, starting on the left, delivered a pinpoint cross that Madueke met unmarked at the far post to double the advantage.

Gabriel Martinelli added the third with a superb curling finish from the edge of the box, extending his scoring streak in Europe and reinforcing Arsenal’s control at the summit of the standings.

The performance came at a useful moment after the frustration of seeing an 18-match unbeaten run end at Villa Park, and the response was sharp, clinical and fully in line with Arteta’s demands.

Arsenal had to adjust to another reshuffled backline as injuries continued to stretch resources, with Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie forming the seventh different central defensive pairing of the campaign.

Brugge started brightly under new manager Ivan Leko and created chances either side of the interval, but David Raya’s saves from Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic prevented any disruption to Arsenal’s rhythm.

The visitors then asserted full control in the second half, shifting the game away from the hosts and removing any sense of jeopardy with quick, decisive attacks.

Martinelli’s goal underlined the confidence within the group as Arsenal pushed clear and ensured there would be no repeat of the drift that appeared in spells at the weekend.

There was further encouragement as Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance in almost a year, featuring for half an hour and almost marking his return with a goal when his effort struck the bar.

Sixteen-year-old Marli Salmon also made his senior debut, reflecting the depth Arteta has been forced to call upon during a heavy run of fixtures.

Arsenal ended the night with six wins from six and a commanding points tally that all but secures their route to the last-16 and strengthens their position as the pace-setters of the league phase.

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