Arsenal completed a perfect Champions League league phase with a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty at Emirates Stadium, securing eight victories from eight games
and direct progress to the last-16, while the Opta supercomputer now rates Arsenal as favourites for the trophy in 28% of its simulations.
Myles Lewis-Skelly urged the squad to handle that expectation with confidence but also restraint, stressing that standards must stay high even after this historic sequence, which is bettered in European Cup or Champions League history by only one English side, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who won 10 straight between May 2023 and March 2024.
Speaking to UEFA after the game, Lewis-Skelly highlighted both the quality and the demands within the dressing room, saying: "For me, perfection is non-existent, but we're definitely at a very high level. I think that's a credit to us, the boys, the manager and the environment we have around the team. It's such a special group, and we hold each other accountable. Every day it matters. "
Lewis-Skelly also accepted the pressure that comes with Arsenal being seen as Champions League favourites, explaining that the squad see it as extra motivation rather than a burden, adding: "This is a very good step. For me, it's [favourites moniker]something that we can embrace. We're not going to shy away from that tag of being favourites, but within us, we know that it's just another game, just another opportunity to go out there, enjoy it and get the job done. "
The victory over Kairat arrived after a difficult domestic spell for Arsenal, who had lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United in the Premier League, following consecutive 0-0 draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, yet Mikel Arteta still made 11 changes to the starting line-up while maintaining control for most of the European contest.
Arsenal began with authority, going ahead inside two minutes when Viktor Gyokeres struck, but Kairat levelled from the penalty spot through Portuguese forward Jorginho, not to be confused with the former Arsenal midfielder, before Kai Havertz restored the advantage and ensured the home side reached half-time in command.
Gabriel Martinelli added a third goal before the interval to make it 3-1, and that strike continued an impressive cup record, as Martinelli’s last eight goals for Arsenal have all arrived in cup competitions and Martinelli now has six Champions League goals this season, with only Thierry Henry scoring more for the club in a single campaign, managing seven in both 2001-02 and 2002-03.
Substitute Ricardinho pulled one back late on for Kairat Almaty, who ended the league phase bottom of the table with only one point, but the visitors never truly threatened Arsenal’s progression and the home side comfortably protected the narrow margin to seal their eighth straight win in this season’s revised group format.
Arsenal become the first team to finish the league phase with a #UCL pic.twitter.com/wcuQqZPEf6 UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 28, 2026
Arteta reflected on the performance by focusing on both the strong attacking start and defensive lapses, stating: "It's a very good [feeling], Arteta added. We made 11 changes and started the game so well. We're disappointed in the way we conceded both goals, obviously, but a lot of positives collectively and individually. There were some big performances. "
With eight straight Champions League victories, direct qualification for the last-16 and players such as Martinelli and Gyokeres delivering in rotation, Arsenal move into the knockout rounds carrying both form and the favourites label, while key voices within the camp continue to stress accountability, balance and a one-game-at-a-time approach.
