Wednesday’s Briefing: Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle shine in Champions League

It was a dominant night for Premier League sides in the Champions League on Tuesday, with a hat-trick of wins for the English contingent.

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid, Manchester City won away at Villarreal and Newcastle got the better of Benfica.

Two new managers began work either side of the border, with Sean Dyche looking to bring stability to Nottingham Forest after a turbulent period and Danny Rohl ending Rangers’ search for fresh leadership.

Gunners get the best of Atletico

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hopes to see Viktor Gyokeres build on his two-goal showing against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The Gunners swept aside the LaLiga outfit 4-0 to maintain their 100 per cent start in Europe, with all the goals coming in the second half. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli set the platform before Gyokeres added the gloss.

“He’s scored two very different ones today, and hopefully he starts to get some momentum now and goes on a good run,” said the Spaniard.

“He makes us a much better team. We’ve become much more unpredictable. He’s so physical and the way he presses the ball, and holds the ball, that’s phenomenal. And then the icing on the cake is the goals.”

Erling Haaland extends scoring streak

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland took his place in the Champions League’s all-time top 10 goalscorers as he extended his scoring streak to 12 successive matches for club and country.

After hitting the opener in his side’s 2-0 win away at Villarreal, the irrepressible Norway striker has now scored 24 times in 14 appearances this season.

The 25-year-old now has 53 in the Champions League, taking him into elite company.

“I’m pleased Erling scored again and pleased Bernardo (Silva) scored as well, with his head,” said Pep Guardiola.

“I am pleased for the win. The vibe is good and the first half was really good. We scored in the right moments and we made a good threat.”

Meanwhile, substitute Harvey Barnes scored twice and Anthony Gordon once as Newcastle defeated Benfica 3-0.

No plane sailing for Liverpool

Liverpool boss Arne Slot made it clear his side’s travel trouble will be no excuse if they fail to return to winning ways against Eintracht Frankfurt this evening.

A mechanical issue with their plane forced a delayed departure from Merseyside and a cancelled press conference at the Deutsche Bank Park, but Slot was relaxed about late arrival.

Four successive defeats have piled the pressure on the Reds, who last lost five in a row 73 years ago, but the Dutchman offered a business-like assessment.

“No, it will not impact the build-up to tomorrow’s game,” he told UEFA.com.

“We have trained over here at the AXA. Normally we would have gone to Frankfurt a few hours earlier, now we are a few hours later. That can never be an excuse for the game tomorrow.”

Dyche feeling good about Forest homecoming

New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche offered an optimistic assessment of the job in front of him at the City Ground.

The former Burnley and Everton manager checked in as Forest’s third manager of the season following the sacking of the Ange Postecoglu.

And the 54-year-old had an upbeat message for a squad who have won just once in 11 games this season.

“We’ve reminded them how good they are, what they’ve already achieved, and how we can build on that to bring consistency. There’s some real talent here,” he said.

Dyche, who lives in Nottingham and was a trainee at the club, has been joined by former Forest heroes Ian Woan, Steve Stone and Billy Mercer on his coaching staff.

“I’ve often spoken about my affection for the club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. It’s strange to be back, but it’s a very good thing, a very pleasing thing.”

Rohl ready for fresh start at Rangers

Danny Rohl insists he has no concerns about Rangers looking elsewhere before appointing him as their new manager.

Former boss Steven Gerrard was heavily tipped to return to Ibrox before a move for Kevin Muscat broke down, leaving the German to take the reins.

The 36-year-old, who previously led Sheffield Wednesday, is relaxed about the recruitment process.

“I felt the trust,” he said.

“The important thing is the outcome. We never stopped the communication and that’s the reason why I’m here now.

“I cannot tell you which choice (I was), I can just tell you that I’m here.”

What’s on today?

Gameweek three of the Champions League continues, with Liverpool’s attempt to break their losing habit against Eintracht Frankfurt in the spotlight.

Tottenham are away at Monaco after a disappointing draw at Bodo Glimt in their last European clash, while Chelsea host Ajax as they seek a fourth straight win in all competitions.