Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are ready to avenge their disappointing record against Bayern Munich in the Champions League as the Gunners aim to achieve a double. Arteta’s side host Bayern in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday as they look to transfer their Premier League title momentum to the European stage. With seven games remaining in a gripping title race, the north Londoners sit firmly at the top of the table – a point ahead of second-placed Liverpool and third-placed Manchester City on goal difference.

Arsenal have won 10 of their 11 top-flight games in 2024 as they chase their first Premier League title in 20 years.

But Arteta’s attention will turn to the Champions League this week as Arsenal aim to repair nearly two decades of damage against Bayern.

Arsenal have been beaten 5-1 in each of their past three meetings with Bayern, having been eliminated by the German club in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2005.

Although Arteta played for Arsenal in defeats against the six-time European champions in 2013 and 2014, he was not responsible for those painful exits.

Arsenal’s impressive domestic form suggests they may be on course for a reversal of fortunes this time around.

Bayern will arrive at the Emirates Stadium in disarray, 16 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen after Saturday’s shock defeat at Heidenheim.

Even the presence of Bayern striker Harry Kane, who scored a north London derby-record 14 goals against Arsenal during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, is unlikely to unsettle the Gunners. ball.

Bayern’s poor atmosphere contrasts sharply with the positivity of Arteta’s dynamic young squad.

Arteta has made it his mission to give his players the freedom to express themselves within his tactical structure, and the results have been transformative for a club that was in freefall before he took over in 2019.

“We are in a very good moment. Our squad is fit, full of energy and full of confidence individually and collectively,” Arteta said after Saturday’s win over Brighton.

“They’re playing really well and we’re winning a lot of games. We just have to keep doing what we’re doing.”

“Give love”

Arsenal have only reached one Champions League final, losing to Barcelona in 2006.

Returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2017, Arsenal are making up for lost time.

They comfortably beat Lens, PSV and Sevilla to top the group and survived a penalty shootout against Porto to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

Arsenal have not reached the semi-finals since 2009, but the mood of confidence within Arteta’s squad suggests they are on track to return to the semi-finals.

Nothing exemplifies Arteta’s ability to improve his players better than Kai Havertz’s emergence as a key figure this season.

Havertz’s confidence was at rock bottom when he signed from Chelsea last year after a troubled spell with the Blues.

The Germany international has had a slow start to his career with the Gunners, registering just one goal and one assist in his first 19 games in all competitions.

But the 24-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists in his past seven Premier League games.

Playing as a centre-forward, he scored Arsenal’s second goal against Brighton and assisted Leandro Trossard to complete the victory.

“He’s definitely had a huge impact on the team. His overall performance has been really good and his goal contribution numbers are really high right now,” Arteta said.

“Kai is smooth now, he feels very comfortable. He needs to keep that level going.

“We gave him confidence and hopefully we gave him the love he needed. He’s got a lot of appreciation from other players and staff at the club and now of course our supporters.”

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