Paul Merson described Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Bayern Munich as a “huge statement”, saying the result will get everyone across Europe on their feet and put Mikel Arteta’s side in the spotlight.
Second-half goals from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners all three points in their heavyweight Champions League tie against Bayern, extending their perfect record in the competition to five wins from five games and taking them top of the 36-team standings.
This means Arsenal, who are currently unbeaten in their last 16 games, are now top of the Premier League and Champions League standings.
Former Gunner Merson said: “It’s a huge statement from Arsenal.”
“It’s spread all over Europe. People will watch and see this result. They’ll say wow, especially because of what Bayern have done to Arsenal in recent years.”
“The Bayern Munich team is surprising everyone. I know the Bundesliga is different from the Premier League, but they have proven themselves in Europe. They are very involved in European competitions.”
“Arsenal were great.
“The first half was touch and go. Both sides had good moments but Arsenal dominated in the second half.”
‘Rice Arsenal’s most important player’
Declan Rice and Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich compete for the ball.
Merson was full of praise for Arsenal’s strengths after substitute Madueke scored his first goal for the club and Martinelli scored on his return from injury.
Martin Odegaard also featured on his return to boost Arteta’s options.
But despite the Gunners’ strength in depth, Merson singled out Declan Rice, who was the MVP against Bayern, as Arsenal’s most important player.
He said: “Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard and Ben White came on. They were five substitutes and were in the first XI for most of the team.
“When you look at how big the squad is and how good it is, we can’t afford to lose Declan Rice, the guy is getting better and better.
“He was really good and drove Bayern to the ground.
“He is Arsenal’s most important player, one million per cent. But Martin Zuvimendi is also worth mentioning. He was a phenomenal player.”
‘They will blow everyone away!’ – Merce, Chelsea vs Arsenal decision…
Noni Madueke celebrates his first goal for Arsenal.
After wins over Tottenham and Bayern, Arsenal continue their testing ahead of their away clash with Chelsea in the Premier League on Super Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm), live on Sky Sports.
This is another first versus second clash for the Gunners and Merson believes a win in west London will keep them out of the league.
Sunday, November 30th at 4pm
Kickoff at 4:30 PM
“Sit down and buckle up on Sunday,” he said.
“Today is Super Sunday. Chelsea and Arsenal are a huge football match.
“If Arsenal win, I think it’s good night nurse. I think it will all be over.”
“They’re going to blow everyone away without getting caught.”
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Watch Chelsea vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports Super Sunday this week. Kickoff is at 4:30 PM.
