Mikel Arteta drives Arsenal to stunning Bayern Munich triumph

Arteta's side made it five wins from five and moved three points clear at the top of the league phase, putting them on the verge of automatic progression to the last sixteen. The Spaniard opened his post-match reaction by praising the level of the performance, stressing that Bayern "are, in my opinion, the best team in Europe".

Arsenal struck first when Jurrien Timber met a loose ball with a composed finish, but Bayern responded before the interval through 17-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl, who continued his impressive breakthrough season. The second half, though, belonged entirely to the Premier League runners-up.

Noni Madueke, who joined Arsenal in the summer, restored the lead with his first goal for the club after drifting into space and guiding a low shot past Manuel Neuer. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli then punished a rare mistake from Neuer, stealing possession before rolling in Arsenal's third to seal the points.

Arteta said he was delighted with the impact of his bench, especially with senior players such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres still unavailable.

"I look at the players coming in and they can change the game. That is what you are required to do at this level," he said. "We have improved not only the quality but the mindset of the group, and that is making a huge difference for us."

The Arsenal manager also highlighted the momentum generated by back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Bayern in the space of four days.

"We started the week really well against Spurs with the win at home. Today is another massive victory, but that is it. Go home, have a nice dinner, and tomorrow we start preparing for Stamford Bridge," Arteta said, with Chelsea next up in the Premier League on Sunday.

Despite three straight second-placed finishes in the league, there is a growing belief that Arsenal are edging closer to a major breakthrough. Arteta, however, insisted the players must remain grounded.

"The energy in the stadium, what the team transmits, the way we play, it is incredible. But it is still very early, and we have to maintain it," he said.

With three games left in the Champions League league phase, Arsenal now hold a commanding position, qualification all but assured and momentum building toward a deep run in the competition. For Arteta's rejuvenated Gunners, Europe's elite are no longer a distant dream, they're a destination within reach.