Bayern have a score to settle with Arsenal, says Gnabry

Serge Gnabry admits Bayern Munich have a score to settle with Arsenal ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday, after losing at the Emirates Stadium last year.

Bayern and Arsenal will go head-to-head on matchday three of the 2026-27 league phase, with both sides having the chance to send an early statement against a potential rival for the trophy.

They also faced off at the same stage last season, with Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli scoring in a 3-1 home win for Arsenal, who went on to finish as runners-up.

In that match last November, Bayern had just eight shots, 14 touches in the opposition box and an expected goals (xG) total of 0.65, all three of which remain their worst figures in a Champions League match under Vincent Kompany.

But their historical record against Arsenal is positive. The Gunners have lost 53% of their meetings with Bayern in major European competitions (8/15), only posting a higher loss ratio against Barcelona (67%, 6/9) among teams they have faced at least five times.

And for Gnabry, who joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2011 and was with the club for five years, revenge is definitely a motivating factor.

"We were the two best teams at the time; unfortunately, we conceded one goal too many towards the end," Gnabry told reporters, recalling last year's game in North London.

"In a game like this, when two top teams face each other, it always comes down to who is on top form on the day. 

"It's all about us being in better form. We do still have a bit of a score to settle from last season."

Wednesday's game will also put Gnabry in the curious position of going up against a manager who he played alongside, with Arteta spending the final few years of his playing career at Arsenal when the Germany international was there. 

And Gnabry says Arteta's leadership skills always stood out, noting: "He was a leader in the team back then, and our captain too. 

"He spoke a lot with me and with Hector Bellerin as well, and he was always willing to listen – that shows what sort of person he is. 

"He led the team to that great success last season, and he's doing a very good job.

"It's always a special match against a former club. I grew up there and I'm really looking forward to it. 

"It's a bit strange to play against a coach you used to play alongside yourself! But we want to win – that’s what it's all about. I'm looking forward to the match."