Mikel Arteta was adamant before kick off that Bayern Munich remain “the best team in Europe”, but after Arsenal dismantled the German champions to keep their flawless Champions League run alive, the question hangs in the air: did the Gunners just stake their claim as genuine contenders?
Arsenal’s season has been nothing short of outstanding. They’ve won 16, drawn two and lost only once in all competitions, and their Champions League campaign has been immaculate five wins from five, a feat they last managed in the 2005/06 season en route to their only appearance in a European final.
They are the only team left with a perfect record in this year’s competition, and their win ended a barren spell of five games without victory over Bayern stretching back to 2015.
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson summed up the mood on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“You can feel the confidence simmering. Arsenal used to have these brilliant flashes followed by games where they would tail off but that’s gone.
It’s a constant 7/10 at minimum, and sometimes it climbs to a nine.”
Bayern arrived in London unbeaten this season and with only three defeats in their previous 52 Champions League group-stage matches (W45, D4). Arsenal didn’t just beat them they outplayed them.
Arteta praised his players for rising to the occasion:
“I think they had an incredible match against, for me, the best team in Europe.
Individually we were immense. The margins are tiny, but we prepared well and delivered.
It’s another massive victory now we recover and start work for Stamford Bridge.”
Declan Rice, awarded UEFA’s Player of the Match, echoed the sentiment:
“Bayern have been the best side in Europe this season. Tactically this was the toughest game we’ve played.
We went man for man in the second half and were outstanding.
There are leaders everywhere now but we’re taking it one game at a time.”
Bench Strength That Matches the Best
Despite being without Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal could still summon Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench a depth that is proving decisive.
Martin Ødegaard returned to action, Gyökeres and Havertz are edging closer to fitness, and those stepping in have made the most of their chances. Madueke struck his first goal for the club against Bayern, while Martinelli extended his superb Champions League form with yet another goal.
Madueke said:
“I couldn’t have asked for a better moment to get my first goal.
The confidence in this team is real we go into every match believing we’ll win.”
Upson believes this depth is what keeps Arsenal’s standards so relentlessly high:
“Arsenal’s bench delivers in every department freshness, quality and attitude.
It’s not easy managing a squad this deep, but Arteta has them all pulling in the same direction.”
With everyone fighting for shirts and responding positively even when left out, Arsenal’s internal competition is fueling a title pursuit on multiple fronts.
A Team on a Mission
Arteta’s side look united, hungry and increasingly assured in Europe. Their aim is clear: challenge for the Premier League and push as far as possible in the Champions League.
They’re not declaring themselves Europe’s best, but nights like this suggest others may start doing it for them.
