Noni Madueke scored twice as Arsenal cruised to a 3–0 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday, keeping their 100% record intact and all but sealing their place in the Champions League knockout phase.
Manager Mikel Arteta made five changes from the team beaten by Aston Villa at the weekend, and one of those new inclusions made the difference early. Madueke powered through a defender and smashed a 20-yard strike in off the crossbar after 25 minutes.
Brugge threatened just before half-time, but goalkeeper David Raya stayed sharp with key saves from Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic to preserve Arsenal’s lead.
Two minutes into the second half, Madueke struck again — this time with a well-placed header from Martín Zubimendi’s superb cross. Gabriel Martinelli then curled in Arsenal’s third in the 56th minute after excellent work from 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The night came with more positives: Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance in 342 days following recovery from an ACL injury, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon earned his senior debut. Jesus nearly capped his comeback with a goal, but his late effort cracked the bar.
The victory takes Arsenal to 18 points, surpassing last season’s tally needed for a top-eight finish and putting them on course to avoid February’s play-offs.
Player of the Match:
Noni Madueke (Arsenal) — 9.08 rating
What’s Next?
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Wolves.
