Myles Lewis-Skelly challenged his Arsenal team-mates to embrace their tag of Champions League favourites, but insists perfection does not exist despite a history-making result.
The Gunners made wholesale changes in the 3-2 victory over Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, which saw them become the first team to win all eight matches of the revamped league phase and qualify directly for the last-16.
Moreover, only one English side has enjoyed a longer winning streak in European Cup/Champions League history, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City winning 10 in a row between May 2023 and March 2024.
And, according to the Opta supercomputer, Arsenal are heavy favourites to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign, winning 28% of the simulations.
Despite the impressive nature of their league-phase performances, Lewis-Skelly says it is important for the Gunners to remain grounded while having confidence to get the job done.
Speaking to UEFA, Lewis-Skelly said: "For me, perfection is non-existent, but we're definitely at a very high level.
"I think that's a credit to us, the boys, the manager and the environment we have around the team. It's such a special group, and we hold each other accountable.
"Every day it matters. This is a very good step. For me, it's [favourites moniker] something that we can embrace.
"We're not going to shy away from that tag of being favourites, but within us, we know that it's just another game, just another opportunity to go out there, enjoy it and get the job done."
Arsenal become the first team to finish the league phase with a #UCL pic.twitter.com/wcuQqZPEf6
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 28, 2026
Arsenal headed into this match on the back of a disappointing 3-2 Premier League defeat at home to Manchester United, which followed back-to-back 0-0draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Here, Arsenal took the lead after two minutes through Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz restored the lead when Portuguese forward Jorginho (not to be confused with the former Arsenal midfielder) had levelled from the penalty spot.
Gabriel Martinelli made it 3-1 before the break, and his last eight goals for Arsenal have come in cup competitions, while only Thierry Henry (seven in 2001-02 and seven in 2002-03) has scored more goals for the Gunners in a single Champions League campaign than Martinelli's six this season.
Substitute Ricardinho netted a late consolation for Kairat, who finished bottom of the table with just one point, but Arsenal had done enough to see things through.
"It's a very good [feeling]," Arteta added. "We made 11 changes and started the game so well.
"We're disappointed in the way we conceded both goals, obviously, but a lot of positives collectively and individually. There were some big performances."