Published: 22:18, 21 October 2025 | Updated: 22:23, 21 October 2025

Atletico Madrid tried to start a phoney war by moaning about cold showers at the Emirates on Monday night but could only wilt in the heat of Arsenal’s heavy artillery when the real stuff started here in north London.

Diego Simeone’s team were trying it on with all that complaining the night before the game. Arsenal suspect they hadn’t even intended to use the facilities at the Emirates. But if it was a battle of wits they were looking for, they got one and came out on the wrong side of it. Then, when it came to the football, they found themselves embarrassed there, too.

On the sideline wearing a black suit and a deep frown, Simeone presented as a coach who had come here to use one trick too many and found himself outsmarted, out thought and out played.  

Arsenal were too good here for the Spaniards. Too smart, too clinical and hungry. Atletico went home on the back of a hiding and did so knowing that it could have been...