Gnabry: "Bayern have unfinished business with Arsenal"

Serge Gnabry says Bayern Munich have unfinished business with Arsenal ahead of Wednesday's Champions League showdown, following the defeat they suffered at the Emirates Stadium last season.

Bayern Munich and Arsenal meet in the 3rd round of the league phase, with two of the leading contenders for the trophy handed the chance to lay down an early marker.

The sides also met at the same stage last season, when Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners on home soil thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, before going on to finish the campaign as finalists.

In that clash last November, Bayern managed just 8 shots, had 14 touches in the opposition box and generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 0.65. Those numbers went down as Bayern's lowest in the Champions League under Vincent Kompany.

The Bavarians' overall record against Arsenal, however, makes for impressive reading. The English side have lost 8 of their 15 European meetings with Bayern (53%). Among the teams Arsenal have faced at least 5 times, only Barcelona (67%, 6/9) have inflicted defeat on them at a higher rate.

For Gnabry, who joined Arsenal in 2011 at the age of 16 and spent 5 years at the club, the prospect of revenge is a significant source of motivation.

Looking back on the game in north London, Gnabry said: "Both teams were at the top at the time; unfortunately we conceded an extra goal late on. When two top sides meet, it comes down to form on the day. We need to find better form. We have a little bit of unfinished business from last season."

Wednesday's game also carries special meaning for Gnabry as he comes up against a side led by a former team-mate. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spent the final years of his playing career sharing a dressing room with the German star.

Highlighting Arteta's leadership qualities, Gnabry said: "Back then he was the leader of the team and our captain. He talked a lot with me and Hector Bellerin and always listened to us, which shows what kind of character he has. Last season he led the team to great success and he's doing a really fantastic job. Playing against my old club is always special. I grew up there and I'm really looking forward to the game. It's a bit of a strange feeling to face someone you once played alongside, now as a manager! But our only aim is to win. I'm extremely excited for the game."