Arsenal’s perfect Champions League campaign rolled on in Belgium as Mikel Arteta’s side brushed aside Club Brugge with an emphatic 3–0 victory at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The night belonged to two wide men: Noni Madueke, who struck twice, and Gabriel Martinelli, who produced a sensational solo goal of his own to seal a dominant away performance.
When Arsenal spent £50 million on Madueke during the summer window, many fans weren’t convinced they were getting value for money. But the England winger is rapidly shifting that narrative. After marking his European debut with a goal against Bayern Munich weeks earlier, he added two more in Bruges—making him the first Arsenal player ever to score his first three goals for the club in the European Cup.
Madueke’s opener was the highlight of the night. Showing both power and finesse, he muscled through two defenders before drilling a fierce strike past the goalkeeper and off the underside of the crossbar. His second was far simpler but showcased his nose for goal: unmarked at the far post, he nodded in Martin Zubimendi’s curling cross from close range.
Inspired by the electric display on the opposite flank, Martinelli decided to join the party. After a fortunate bounce put him in space on the left, the Brazilian cut inside and unleashed a breathtaking right-footed strike into the far top corner. Brugge, who had managed to hold Barcelona to a thrilling 3-3 draw earlier in the group stage, had no response to Arsenal’s wave of attacking pressure.
The Gunners could have added two or three more late on, and Arteta will be delighted to see his side sitting on six wins from six in Europe—a statement of intent from a squad that looks deeper, sharper and more complete than ever.
With that, here are the full Arsenal player ratings from Belgium:
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10)
One shaky stop after the interval, but overall a strong night for the Spaniard. Made more saves than usual and will value the clean sheet.
Ben White (6/10)
Eager to push forward in the first half and contributed to the width of Arsenal’s attacks. Solid defensively and part of a back line that held Brugge scoreless.
Christian Norgaard (6/10)
Playing out of position as a centre-back due to injuries, the Dane adapted well. Booked for a necessary tactical foul but rarely looked uncomfortable.
Piero Hincapié (7/10)
A composed, proactive performance. Twice came close to scoring from set pieces and defended with intelligence until his substitution on the hour.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10)
Struggled early as Brugge targeted his flank. Improved noticeably after half-time but still endured a difficult evening.
Midfield
Martin Ødegaard (6/10)
Bright in the opening phase and nearly found the net, but his influence faded. A clean, tidy display without the usual spark.
Martin Zubimendi (8/10)
Outstanding once again. The Basque midfielder covered ground tirelessly, recycled possession expertly and produced two assists—one a brilliant teasing cross that begged to be finished.
Mikel Merino (5/10)
A surprisingly quiet showing. Too safe on the ball and rarely threatened going forward.
Attack
Noni Madueke (8/10)
Starting in place of Saka, he delivered his best performance yet in an Arsenal shirt. A stunning solo opener, a poacher’s second, and constant menace throughout.
Viktor Gyökeres (4/10)
A night to forget. Barely involved—only 12 touches—and never found rhythm before being substituted just past the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli (8/10)
A nightmare for Brugge’s right side. Constantly attacking space and crowned his performance with a sensational curling finish. A sign he’s fully back to form.
Subs & Manager
Riccardo Calafiori (6/10)
Slotted in seamlessly after replacing Hincapié.
Gabriel Jesus (6/10)
Energetic on his return to action, and rattled the crossbar with a late strike. Arsenal’s No. 9 race just got interesting.
Ethan Nwaneri (6/10)
Looked confident and forced two saves in stoppage time.
Bukayo Saka (5/10)
Rarely involved after coming on, but helped manage the tempo.
Marli Salmon (N/A)
Made his senior debut in the 81st minute. A proud moment for the academy talent.
Mikel Arteta (8/10)
Rotated intelligently, relied on the depth of his squad, and maintained Arsenal’s flawless European record. A composed, well-managed away victory.
