The Gunners, who arrived in Belgium after a frustrating weekend defeat to Aston Villa, needed a response and got one. Madueke delivered the breakthrough with a stunning long-range effort, before adding a second after the interval. Martinelli sealed the night with a trademark curling finish, capping another impressive European display from Arteta’s high-flying side.

Arsenal also welcomed back Gabriel Jesus after a long injury layoff, while 16-year-old prospect Marli Salmon made his senior European debut.

Here are the five talking points from Bruges:

1. Arteta hit with defensive setback

Before kick-off, Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber wasn’t included due to a minor injury picked up at the weekend, despite travelling with the squad. Riccardo Calafiori only made the bench after his own knock, leaving Arsenal to reshuffle their back line.

Christian Norgaard was pushed into central defense and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly filled in. Despite the disruption, the patched-up unit handled most of what Brugge threw at them but it wasn’t without hairy moments.

2. Madueke offers instant reminder of his quality

Arsenal’s night might have taken an early blow when Madueke landed awkwardly on his arm and required treatment, but the winger shook it off then produced a moment of brilliance.

Receiving the ball just over halfway, he powered forward, brushed off a challenge and unleashed a blistering 25-yard strike that smashed off the underside of the bar and in. It was a reminder of the depth Arteta has assembled and why Madueke remains such a dangerous weapon.

3. Raya saves the first half

With Arsenal struggling to control transitions, David Raya was called on repeatedly before the break. Brugge’s best chance fell to Aleksandar Stankovic after a smart flick from Captain Hans Vanaken, but Raya reacted superbly to get down low and push the ball away.

The Spaniard’s handling and positioning kept the Gunners ahead at a time when the momentum wobbled. Without him, the picture could’ve been very different.

4. Martinelli joins Champions League history

Arsenal needed a cushion after half-time, and they got two goals within minutes.

Madueke nodded home a looping Martin Zubimendi cross to double the advantage, before Martinelli collected another Zubimendi pass, cut inside and whipped a curling effort into the far corner.

That goal made Martinelli the first Arsenal player to score in five consecutive Champions League matches underlining his evolution into one of Arteta’s most decisive forwards.

5. Gabriel Jesus returns at last

The Gunners were handed an emotional boost when Gabriel Jesus made his long-awaited return, 11 months after suffering a serious ACL injury. The Brazilian replaced Viktor Gyökeres, who endured a quiet evening, and immediately provided sharper movement in behind the Brugge defence.

Arteta has been patient with Jesus’ recovery, but his return could be pivotal as Arsenal look toward the knockout rounds and the Premier League title race.