Arsenal completed a flawless Champions League league phase with an eighth straight win, beating Kairat Almaty to become the first side to end the new-format group stage with a 100% record. Kai Havertz scored on his first start for nearly a year as Mikel Arteta's side finished top of the table, with only a late consolation denying them victory by a two-goal margin.
With a top-two finish and home advantage in the second legs of their knockout ties already secured by last week's 3-1 win over Inter Milan, Arteta made 11 changes from the weekend defeat to Manchester United. Even so, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line and Havertz deployed in advanced midfield behind him, Arsenal were rarely troubled by the bottom side.
Lightning start, instant response
Arsenal took the lead after just two minutes. Havertz slid a brilliant through-ball into the path of Gyokeres, who powered a low finish into the net from the edge of the area. It was the ideal opening for a side looking to put a wobble in their Premier League title push to one side.