Noni Madueke opened his account for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side overpowered Bayern Munich 3-1 to maintain their flawless Champions League record.

Arsenal controlled the game from kickoff and scored first in the 22nd minute, with Jurrien Timber heading in Bukayo Saka’s corner, the Gunners’ 10th set-piece goal from a corner this season, the highest across Europe’s top five leagues.

Bayern responded with a brief spell with the ball, eventually equalising through 17-year-old Lennart Karl after Serge Gnabry carved open the right flank.

But Arsenal’s response was rapid and decisive. England winger Madueke restored the lead, redirecting substitute Riccardo Calafiori’s driven cross.

Eberechi Eze then sealed the win, lofting a pass over Bayern’s backline for Gabriel Martinelli, who rounded Manuel Neuer to hand the German champions their first defeat of the season.

Arsenal’s squad depth proves a competitive advantage

Arteta rotated lightly from the side that dismantled Spurs at the weekend, and the performance again showcased the depth that has become Arsenal’s operational backbone.

Despite managing injuries across the frontline, Arsenal have reintroduced Martin Ødegaard, Martinelli and Madueke, while ‘finishers’ from the bench, a term Arteta regularly uses, once more shifted the game.

The Gunners remain top of both the Premier League and Champions League, losing just once all season, and appear structurally primed for a long-overdue major trophy push.