Arsenal took a giant step closer to the last-16 round of the UEFA Champions League by recording a resounding 3-0 win over Croatia-based side Dinamo Zagreb

Goals from Rice, Havertz, and Odegaard ensured the host cruised through the game.

Rice, a former Conference League winner with West Ham United, had not scored in his previous 15 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition but took just two minutes to rattle in a scorching half-volley after Havertz had cushioned down Gabriel Martinelli’s drilled cross around 12 yards out.

The strike settled any nerves lingering around the Emirates Stadium after Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa, which saw Mikel Arteta’s side surrender a two-goal advantage to walk away with just a point.

There were no mistakes against a Dinamo side being managed for the first time by former Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, with Arsenal in complete control of proceedings without ever really needing to get out of second gear.

It took Arsenal over an hour to find their second goal, with their domination of the ball and territory failing to yield a glut of chances. Havertz was again the player for the big occasion, drifting to the back post unmarked to rise highest and meet Martinelli’s inviting cross.

Odegaard made it three as the game entered stoppage-time, turning home from close range after good work from Leandro Trossard.

The Gunners sit third in the Champions League table, with five wins and a draw registered from their seven games, and they will seal a top-eight finish, providing they don’t get thumped by Girona on matchday eight, coupled with a host of other results going against them.

The Gunners continue their title aspirations when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, while Dinamo Zagreb host NK Istra.