By Martin Graham
Arsenal’s emphatic triumph over Bayern Munich extended their flawless Champions League sequence and fueled debate about whether Mikel Arteta’s squad now belongs among the continent’s elite contenders. Their record across all competitions this year has been outstanding, with the London side registering sixteen victories, two draws, and suffering only a single defeat.
This latest European result also continued a historic run. The club has opened a Champions League campaign with five successive wins for the first time since their 2005-06 adventure, the season in which they reached their lone final in the tournament.
Bayern arrived in London unbeaten in the current campaign and with only three losses from their previous fifty-two Champions League group fixtures. Against that backdrop, Arsenal’s display marked a notable shift in their duels with the German champions, ending a five-match stretch without a victory that had lasted since 2015.
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson felt the performance reflected a consistent level that the team had not always produced in earlier 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 throughout.
Arteta praises team mentality
Arteta described Bayern Munich as the strongest outfit in Europe but insisted his own players produced an exceptional response to the challenges posed by the Bundesliga title holders. He pointed to the individual contributions across the pitch and highlighted the meticulous preparation that precedes every fixture.
He also noted that the margins remain extremely tight at this level. Victories over Tottenham earlier in the week and Bayern in midweek were labelled “massive,” yet Arteta stressed the players would reset immediately ahead of their league meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielder Declan Rice, who earned 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 encountered so far this season and praised the collective approach, particularly during the second half when they applied aggressive, man-to-man pressure.
Rice emphasized the sense of leadership within the team and insisted that the current campaign feels different from the last. He added that the squad will continue to approach each challenge with drive and determination, warning that there remains a great deal of work ahead.
Bench strength lifts Arsenal
Despite absences among their forwards – with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus unavailable – Arteta introduced Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench, with both making strong contributions. Madueke celebrated his first goal for the club, while Martinelli extended his excellent Champions League scoring run with his fourth goal in as many matches.
Arteta has managed multiple injury setbacks this season, but the eight summer arrivals have helped him retain momentum. The return of Captain Martin Odegaard, combined with Gyokeres and Havertz nearing full fitness, suggests the manager’s attacking options are steadily improving.
Madueke expressed delight at scoring in such a prominent fixture and said belief within the squad drives them forward. He admitted he thrives on confidence and appreciates the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and fellow players.
Upson noted that Arsenal’s substitutes consistently deliver in terms of energy and ability. He believes the depth of competition for starting places has kept performance levels elevated, and he praised Arteta’s capacity to maintain harmony and hunger across the squad.
According to Upson, every player appears committed to the same ambitions: pushing for a Premier League crown and advancing as far as possible in the Champions League.
