Arsenal finished the Champions League group stage with a perfect record after a 3-2 victory over Kairat at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz, making his first start in 357 days, scored and provided two assists as Mikel Arteta's side secured their eighth straight win in the competition.
The hosts took the lead after just 102 seconds when Viktor Gyokeres swept home a counter-attack initiated by Riccardo Calafiori and set up by Havertz. Kairat equalised five minutes later through a Jorginho penalty after a VAR review for a Calafiori shirt pull. Havertz restored Arsenal's lead on 15 minutes, cutting inside from the right and finishing clinically.
Gabriel Martinelli tapped in the third goal after a no-look flick from Christian Norgaard released Havertz, whose cross was only partially cleared. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but overturned by VAR. Havertz was withdrawn at half-time, and Arsenal continued to dominate without adding to their tally. Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim made their debuts late on, while Gabriel Jesus had a goal disallowed for offside. Ricardinho scored a consolation for Kairat with the last action of the match, denying Arsenal a record of eight consecutive Champions League wins by two or more goals.
The victory confirmed Arsenal as group winners, having already beaten Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. They will next play in the last 16 in March and are considered among the favourites for their first Champions League title.
