Arteta hails individually 'exceptional' Arsenal after win over Bayern Munich

Mikel Arteta described his Arsenal side as "exceptional" after they defeated Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Jurrien Timber headed in Bukayo Saka's in-swinging corner to put Arsenal ahead but teenager Lennart Karl levelled from a fine Bayern team move at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were outstanding after the break, though, and it was substitutes Noni Madueke and Gabiel Martinelli who made the difference – albeit a moment of madness from Manuel Neuer contributed to the latter's nerve-settling goal.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Gunners boss Arteta said: "[The thing that pleased me most] is probably the overall performance and the way we dominated the game.

"We had to adapt to their quality, we had to raise the standards, we knew that. I think individually, we were exceptional."

Bayern had not been beaten in any competition this season but they were exposed by Arsenal's set-piece proficiency. 

Arsenal have 10 goals from corners in all competitions this season, the most in Europe's big-five leagues, while they have netted 17 in total from set-pieces (including penalties), the most of any Premier League side in all competitions in 2025-26.

Asked about their set-piece prowess, Arteta replied: "Well in every phase of play we try to score. It's the ability a team needs, to be a danger, to be very efficient."

Madueke and Martinelli have had their issues with injuries this season, but the former scored his first Arsenal goal to end a run of 17 games without one, while the latter has netted in all four of his Champions League appearances this term.

Speaking about their importance to the team, Arteta said: "It's very important to have them back and available. The impact the players are showing is remarkable."

Arsenal sit top of the league phase with five wins from five games and are fancied as favourites to lift the trophy come May.

Arteta, though, was keen to temper expectations, saying: "We're still so far away, we have a really good record so far. 

"We have to enjoy tonight because tomorrow we have to prepare to go to [Chelsea on Sunday]."

Declan Rice was awarded the Player of the Match award for an all-action display in midfield.

The England ace created three chances for his team-mates and had the most passes in the final third of any Arsenal player (15).

Rice thinks Arsenal are a different animal to last season but, like Arteta, was keen to keep minds focused in their pursuit of major silverware.

"Yes, definitely [it feels different to last season]. There are so many leaders in the team," he said.

"We are just taking it one game at a time. There is a hunger and desire to win every game. There is a long way to go. Let's not get carried away."

However, he was keen to praise the team for a job well done against one of Europe's heavyweights.

"Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe," Rice added.

"This was probably the toughest game tactically we have played this season. The way they work it is so, so good.

"We went man to man with them in the second half and I thought tonight we were outstanding. The manager is so happy. It was a special European night."