Mikel Arteta hailed his Arsenal side’s creativity and courage after their emphatic 4–0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, describing how his players managed to dismantle one of Europe’s most disciplined teams.
A dazzling performance at the Emirates Stadium saw the Gunners outclass Diego Simeone’s Atletico, with a brace from Viktor Gyökeres and goals from Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli sealing a memorable win on October 21, 2025.
Arteta reveals how Arsenal beat Atletico
Speaking after the game, Arteta shared insight into how Arsenal overcame Atletico’s famously compact structure — a tactical challenge few sides manage to solve.
“We talked about it against a team that is so organised,” explained the Arsenal boss, as cited by Tribuna. To disorganise them, you have to do something that is not in the book and we cannot do it through just the pass or just certain patterns.”
Instead, Arteta credited his players for showing creativity and spontaneity when the usual tactics weren’t enough.
“You have to do it by finding that inspiration, those magic moments that we generated throughout the game in different ways. I’m really happy that the team can step up and create those moments.”
Arsenal’s European statement
The result sent a strong message across Europe — Arsenal’s attacking brand of football is not just entertaining but also ruthless against even the toughest defences.
Gyökeres’ clinical finishing, Martinelli’s pace, and the team’s fluid movement left Atletico chasing shadows all night.
For Arteta, it wasn’t just about the scoreline but the manner of the victory — a performance that blended tactical precision with artistic freedom.
And on a Champions League night under the Emirates lights, Arsenal looked every bit the European powerhouse their manager has long envisioned.
Statistically, they have been near invincible in North London. According to Squawka, the Gunners have won all nine games under the Spaniard, scoring a staggering 27 goals and conceding none.