Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the media ahead of his side’s showdown with Bayern Munich.

Both Arteta and Bayern boss Vincent Kompany have guided their teams to a perfect start in Europe, each collecting 12 points from 12. Bayern also travel to the Emirates carrying a five-match unbeaten run against Arsenal, having won four of those meetings.

Despite that history, Arsenal will approach the match with confidence after their emphatic North London derby victory over Tottenham, highlighted by Eberechi Eze’s stunning hat-trick.

Arteta: Arsenal Must Maintain Their Momentum

Arteta stressed the importance of carrying their recent intensity into Wednesday’s clash. Bayern remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, winning 10 of their 11 games under Kompany.

“Yes, we do, and we have to carry on that energy,” Arteta said. “We have to play with the same dominance, aggression, and efficiency.”

When asked whether beating Bayern would elevate Arsenal into Europe’s elite despite never winning the Champions League, the Spaniard was realistic.

“I don’t know — you talk about performances and consistency, hopefully yes,” he said. “But we have never won the Champions League in our history; they have six.”

Arteta was also questioned about the challenge of stopping former Tottenham striker Harry Kane and winger Michael Olise, both of whom are in exceptional form. Kane has 14 goals and three assists in the Bundesliga, while Olise has contributed six goals and six assists.

“For sure,” Arteta replied. “This is exactly the kind of game, and the kind of opposition, that we want to face in this competition.”

Team News

Despite a long injury list — including star defender Gabriel — Arsenal head into the fixture aiming for a 16th straight Champions League home win in the league-phase/group stage.

Arteta provided updates on several players, starting with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres, who are nearing returns to bolster Arsenal’s attack.

“Really good, both of them,” he said. “In the next few days they will have scans to see if we can push them for the weekend.”

He also shared positive news on Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard:
“They are [close], and we’re going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin. We are confident he can be in the squad.”

On Gabriel Jesus, Arteta added:
“He’s quite close, to be fair — earlier than expected. In the next few days he’ll have another chance with a game we’re organising for him.”

“Depth Has to Be Effective”

Arteta finished by emphasising the importance of squad depth, especially with Arsenal still competing on multiple fronts.

“It is, and it has to be,” he said. “Thank God we have improved the depth of the squad compared to previous seasons. It’s a different league, and we need to be conscious of that.”