Arsenal FC's Champions League Victory: Gyokeres Delivers Against Inter Milan

Sport | Football Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Viktor Gyokeres provides perfect response to Gabriel Jesus Summer signing also proves his class on first start in over a month as Gunners record impressive Champions League win Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to score in Arsenal’s win over Inter Milan Arsenal FC via Getty Images Matt Verri 1 minute ago COMMENTS Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice. Arsenal did not need to win this match. Doing so, though, was yet another message sent to the rest of Europe. The Gunners rocked up to the San Siro, made seven changes against Inter Milan, and came away with a 3-1 win. Make that seven wins from seven in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side are in a class of their own domestically and in Europe. Gabriel Jesus scored twice and Viktor Gyokeres netted off the bench, with Petar Sucic's brilliant strike ultimately counting for nothing. Arsenal will now not have a meaningful Champions League match until the second week of March. Nobody will want to be their opponents when that comes. Job done for Arsenal Manchester City's defeat to Bodo/Glimt earlier in the evening meant Arsenal's place in the last-16 was sealed before they kicked a ball in the San Siro. That was never in any real doubt anyway, but victory over Inter wrapped up a top two finish and with it a key advantage heading into the knockout stages. Arsenal will have home advantage in the second leg of their knockout ties right the way through to the final, if they make it that far. Arsenal are through to the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare Getty Images The latter stages of the competition can come down to the finest margins and Arsenal will have that edge in their favour. Read More Chivu makes Arsenal Champions League prediction after Inter Milan loss Arsenal seal top two Champions League finish after Inter win What Arsenal need to qualify for Champions League knockout stage Sponsored Reset your wellbeing for the year ahead It has been a remarkable run in Europe from Arteta's side, with seven straight wins including victories over Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and now Inter. Next week's match at home to Kairat has nothing at all riding on it and Arteta can rotate as much as he wants. Mosquera makes his mark Before tonight, Cristhian Mosquera's last appearance came in early December, when he limped off before half-time against Brentford. To give the 21-year-old his first minutes back at the San Siro was a clear show of faith from Arteta and Mosquera rewarded it. He came in alongside William Saliba and showed no signs of looking rusty and unsettled by the occasion. Back in action: Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC via Getty Images There were two perfect blocks to stop Marcus Thuram shots troubling David Raya and Mosquera went toe-to-toe with the striker throughout. It was also about what the centre-back did not do. When Sucic drove into open space around the Arsenal area, Mosquera stayed on his feet, shut the door and forced the pass wide. There was a real maturity to his performance, particularly considering his age. Mosquera showed he can be trusted whenever Gabriel and Saliba drop out of the side. Strikers battle it out Jesus is still yet to start a match in the Premier League this season but that surely cannot be far away. The Brazilian presented a very compelling case to Arteta for why he should be starting over the Gyokeres with an impressive display. His two first-half goals were poacher finishes, the kind of ruthless striker instincts that Arsenal need more of from Gyokeres. Jesus played his part in a very fluid attacking display. His lay-off was part of a lovely move that he finished for the opening goal. He could well have had an assist too, but Bukayo Saka took too long to get his shot away and it was deflected over. Gabriel Jesus scored twice in Arsenal’s win over Inter Milan Arsenal FC via Getty Images The pressure was on, then, when Gyokeres came on for the 15 minutes and he responded exactly as he needed too. The Swede was strong when wrestling with defenders and then produced a brilliant curling finish to put the match to bed. When Manchester United make the trip to north London on Sunday, Arteta will have two confident strikers waiting for them. MORE ABOUT