The mathematics were still causing a few heads to be scratched after Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, but Declan Rice gave the new Champions League format a thumbs up.

Arsenal have almost ensured their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the

Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard seal a comfortable victory for Arsenal against Dinamo Zagreb and leave the Gunners all but qualified for the Champions League last 16.

If Mikel Arteta had been making a checklist of what Arsenal needed from Dinamo Zagreb's to the Emirates Stadium. it might have looked a little something like this: the three points that would take them to the brink of the round of 16,

Paris Saint-Germain pushed Manchester City to the brink of Champions League elimination after coming from two goals down to win 4-2 on Wednesday, while Arsenal all but secured their place in the last 16.

Arsenal sit fifth in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s action, having won four of their opening six games. They drew with Europa League holders Atalanta and lost to Inter Milan but have otherwise impressed, with the 5-1 win away at Sporting CP surely their standout performance.

In the six weeks since Arsenal last played in it, the Champions League has become their best, perhaps even their last, hope of silverware this season. For Mikel Arteta, then, the calculus on how to approach the two remaining league phase games must change.

Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League needing a win to ensure they're in contention for a top eight finish and that coveted bye to the round of 16. The Gunners come into the game after a disappointing draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League.