Mikel Arteta salutes Arsenal's perfect eight as Champions League history made

Arsenal finished the opening stage with eight wins from eight matches, becoming the first side to complete this phase with a one hundred per cent record. Arteta praised both the consistency of his squad and their approach on a night that included several changes to the starting line-up.

"Yes, I'm very proud of the players and the run that we had in this first stage of the competition," Arteta said. "It's very difficult to win eight games in a row in the Champions League, and you can see what happened with all the teams. We really need to acknowledge that."

Arteta admitted there were aspects to improve despite the victory. "The attitude was spot on from everybody. We demanded that. I'm disappointed with the two goals that we conceded and with the level of efficiency, because we should have scored many more, but it was a good way to end this first part."

The Arsenal manager also highlighted the broader significance of the achievement. "That shows that we can consistently perform at this level. The players need to feel even more conviction about what we're able to do. Now we stop, reflect, and prepare for what's next, because in this competition one moment can change everything."

Arteta reserved special praise for Kai Havertz, who made his first start in over a year. Havertz set up Viktor Gyokeres' opener before scoring himself and Gabriel Martinelli was also on the scoresheet. "Unbelievable," Arteta said. "For a player that has been out for so long to perform with that clarity, energy and efficiency is very impressive. He makes us much better."

Youngsters Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim also made their debuts. "I'm very happy," Arteta added. "It's a reward for them and for everyone in the academy. To finish this stage first, with this attitude, gives the players huge credit."