The three Arsenal losers from win vs Atletico Madrid, one had five shots without scoring
Arsenal put Atletico Madrid to the sword in a rampant 4-0 victory to maintain their unbeaten 2025-26 Champions League start.
Martin Zubimendi starred for Arsenal as they comfortably beat the visiting Spanish side on 21 October.
Goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli places the Gunners as one of three flawless sides in the competition so far after three matches.
On what was an excellent night, Football Insider looks at the players who underwhelmed under the lights at the Emirates.
Riccardo Calafiori sweats over Myles Lewis-Skelly excellence
Myles Lewis-Skelly picked up advanced positions for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid as he frequently drove up the pitch with marauding runs.
The Englishman teed up Martinelli with a gut-busting run from the halfway line which highlighted his attacking brilliance.
As demonstrated by his heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, the number 49 was advanced in attacking positions on the left-hand side.
Moreover, he was resolute in defence, racking up four recoveries, two clearances and one interception to stop the Spanish side wiping out the clean sheet.
For fellow left-back Riccardo Calafiori, the 19-year-old’s superb display will be concerning, putting his starting role in jeopardy.
Indeed, it is possible that Mikel Arteta may play the Italian in the Premier League and the England international in the Champions League, yet the latter’s performance may be enough to usurp the former of his domestic starting berth.
Jurrien Timber could lose out as Arsenal star makes comeback
A mainstay in Arteta’s backline has been Jurrien Timber, who has been reliable and impressive so far this season.
The Dutchman was an exciting creative force against Atletico Madrid, racking up two key passes to continue the Gunners’ attacking momentum.
However, the former Ajax man was subbed off on the 83rd minute as Ben White made his first appearance since Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos on 1 October.
The Englishman’s workload has been managed since coming back from injury but the patience may soon pay off as he looks to steal minutes away from his fellow right-back.
Timber is certainly the first-choice on the right side of the defence but the threat of White suggests he may see reduced minutes in the coming weeks as fixtures pile up.
Bukayo Saka wasteful in front of goal
Often known for his ruthless efficiency in front of goal, Bukayo Saka was not on the money for the Gunners despite their impressive result.
The England international fired five shots off during the 90 minutes yet only found the target once.
He also missed one big chance, summing up his frustrating night in front of goal whilst other teammates thrived.
For now, the blip in the 24-year-old’s finishing will not trouble him or Arteta, yet upon Noni Madueke’s return, it is possible his starting spot is not 100 per cent guaranteed if he continues to miss the back of the net.