By Martin Graham
Arsenal’s emphatic triumph Bayern Munich extended their unblemished Champions League run and fueled debate over whether Mikel Arteta’s squad now belong among the continent’s elite contenders. Their record in all competitions this year has been excellent, with the London outfit recording sixteen wins, two draws and just one defeat.
This latest European result also continued a historic run. The club have opened a Champions League campaign with five consecutive wins for the first time since their 2005-06 adventure, the season in which they reached their only final of the competition.
Bayern arrived in London unbeaten in the current campaign and with just three defeats from their previous fifty-two Champions League games. Against this background, Arsenal’s display marked a remarkable turnaround in their duels with the German champions, ending a five-game winless streak that had lasted since 2015.
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson felt the performance reflected a consistent level the team had not always produced in previous years. He argued that while they may have smaller dips within matches, they no longer collapse as they once did and now maintain reliable standards.
Arteta praises the team mentality
Arteta described Bayern Munich as the strongest side in Europe but insisted his own players produced an outstanding response to the challenges posed by the Bundesliga holders. He pointed to individual contributions across the field and highlighted the meticulous preparation that precedes each match.
He also noted that margins remain extremely tight at this level. Wins over Tottenham earlier in the week and Bayern in midweek were described as “massive” but Arteta stressed that the players would immediately reset ahead of their league meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielder Rice Declanwho won the governing body’s player of the match award, echoed the sentiment that the occasion represented a significant moment. He felt the tactical test was the sternest they had faced so far this season and praised the collective approach, particularly in the second half when they applied aggressive man-to-man pressure.
Rice highlighted the sense of leadership within the team and insisted that the current campaign feels different from last. He added that the squad will continue to approach each challenge with drive and determination, warning that much work remains ahead.
Strength from the bench lifts Arsenal
Despite the absences among his forwards, with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus unavailable, Arteta introduced Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench, with a big contribution. Madueke celebrated his first goal for the club, while Martinelli extended his excellent Champions League scoring run with his fourth goal in as many games.
Arteta has managed multiple injury setbacks this season, but the eight arrivals in the summer have helped him maintain momentum. The return of captain Martin Odegaard, combined with Gyokeres and Havertz in full fitness, suggests the manager’s attacking options are steadily improving.
Madueke expressed his delight at scoring in such a high-profile game and said the belief within the squad drives them forward. He admitted that he lives the confidence and appreciates the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and his teammates.
Upson pointed out that Arsenal’s substitutes consistently deliver in terms of energy and skill. He believes the depth of competition for starting places has kept performance levels high, and praised Arteta’s ability to maintain harmony and appetite throughout the squad.
According to Upson, all the players seem committed to the same ambitions: pushing for a Premier League crown and going all the way in the Champions League.
