Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb Report
Scorers: Rice 2’, Havertz 66’, Odegaard 90+2’
Arsenal all but sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium.
Fabio Cannavaro’s debut as Dinamo head coach ended in disappointment as his side struggled against a well-drilled Arsenal outfit that extended their dominance in European competition.
First Half: Arsenal Strike Early
The Gunners wasted no time asserting their authority, taking the lead just 105 seconds into the match. Gabriel Martinelli’s pace down the left unsettled the Dinamo defence, and his pinpoint cross found Kai Havertz, who cushioned the ball perfectly for Declan Rice.
The England international unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Ivan Nevistić, giving the hosts an ideal start.
Arsenal continued to threaten, with Gabriel coming close to doubling the lead from a corner, his towering header narrowly missing the target.
Despite the early blow, Dinamo eventually settled defensively, effectively closing spaces for Arsenal’s attackers.
However, Dinamo’s counter-attacks, led by the lively Martin Baturina, failed to test David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Late in the half, Martinelli had a chance to extend the lead, but Nevistić was equal to the task, ensuring the deficit remained manageable at HT.
Second Half: Havertz and Ødegaard Seal the Deal
Arsenal resumed the second half with territorial dominance, but Dinamo’s resolute defence frustrated the Gunners until the 66th minute.
A Martinelli cross found Havertz, whose powerful header left Nevistić rooted, doubling Arsenal’s advantage and marking the German’s first UCL goal for the club.
With the game firmly in their control, Arsenal continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time.
Substitute Leandro Trossard capitalised on space down the left, delivering a deflected cross that Martin Ødegaard turned in from close range to seal a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Match Insights
- Arsenal’s Defensive Dominance: The Gunners secured their eighth consecutive home UCL clean sheet, underlining their defensive solidity at the Emirates.
- Dinamo’s English Struggles: The Croatian champions remain winless on English soil, a record that now stretches across decades.
- Clinical Arsenal: Despite limited shots on target, Arsenal converted their chances effectively, showcasing their efficiency in key moments.
League Table Implications
The win moves Arsenal to the brink of the knockout stages, sitting comfortably in third place in the UCL standings. With one game left, Mikel Arteta’s men need just a point to confirm their progression.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb face an uphill battle, languishing in 26th place and needing a miracle on the final matchday to avoid an early exit.
For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs GNK Dinamo | UEFA Champions League 2024/25