LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP)— Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice’s goal in just 106 seconds inspired their 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side raced into the lead in their penultimate league phase fixture thanks to Rice’s clinical finish.

Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard netted in the second half at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal climbed to third place in the standings.

Arsenal have won five of their seven league phase matches, losing just once, and are almost certain to finish in the top eight, which secures automatic qualification for the last 16.

The north Londoners, who have never won the Champions League, travel to Girona for their last match in the league phase next week knowing a point will guarantee a top-eight berth.

With Arsenal holding a three-point lead over a group of teams below eighth place, even a defeat could still send them through given their superior goal difference.

This was a much-needed victory for Arsenal after last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, in which the Gunners blew a two-goal lead to dent their Premier League title hopes.

Arsenal have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and moving to the brink of the Champions League last 16 is a welcome boost following their FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.

Arteta had urged his players to take advantage of their “strong position” in the league phase by winning on home turf against a Dinamo team fighting to secure a place in the knockout stage play-offs.

They rose to the challenge as Arteta’s decision to play Jakub Kiwior in central defence in the absence of the injured William Saliba was rewarded.

Jurrien Timber had struggled in the heart of Arteta’s defence in the Villa game, but Kiwior was more comfortable alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.