Serge Gnabry admitted Bayern Munich had a point to settle against Arsenal ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash after last year’s defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Bayern and Arsenal will meet in the third round of the 2026-27 league campaign, with both sides having the chance to make an early statement against a potential trophy rival.
They met at the same stage last season, with Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli scoring as Arsenal finished second in a 3-1 home win.
In that match last November, Bayern had just eight shots, 14 possessions and an expected goal (xG) of just 0.65, all three of which remain their worst in a Champions League match under Vincent Kompany.
However, their historical record against Arsenal is positive. The Gunners have lost 53% of their meetings with Bayern in major European competitions (8/15), with a higher defeat rate only against Barcelona (67%, 6/9) among teams they have faced at least five times.
And for Gnabry, who joined Arsenal in 2011 as a 16-year-old and spent five years at the club, revenge is certainly a motivating factor.
“We were the two best teams at the time; unfortunately we conceded a lot of goals towards the end,” Gnabry told reporters, recalling last year’s game in North London.
“When two top teams meet in a game like this, it always comes down to who is in the best form.
“It’s all about us being in better shape. We still have some points to settle from last season.”
“It’s like a clash, when two teams face each other, it all comes down to who’s on top fop form the day it’s πππ πͺπ― πͺπ― πͺπͺπ― πͺπ―πͺ
β FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 20, 2026
Wednesday’s game will also put Gnabry in the interesting position of facing a manager he played alongside, while Arteta spent the last few years of his playing career at Arsenal when the Germany international was there.
And Gnabry says Arteta’s leadership skills have always stood out, noting: βHe was the leader in the team at the time, and so was our captain.
“He talked to me and Hector Bellerin a lot and was always willing to listen – that shows what kind of person he is.
“He led the team to this great success last season and he is doing a great job.
“It’s always a special match against my former club. I grew up there and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s a bit strange playing against a coach you used to play with! But we want to win – that’s what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the match.”