Declan Rice warns UCL leaders Arsenal don’t ‘get carried away’

LONDON – Declan Rice has urged Arsenal to remain grounded after a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday kept the Premier League side unbeaten in the Champions League league phase.

Arsenal recorded a fifth straight victory in Europe this season as goals from Jurriën Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli handed Bayern their first defeat of the campaign in any competition. Teenager Lennart Karl equalised for Bayern on 32 minutes after Timber’s opener, but Arsenal pulled clear after the interval with two second-half goals from substitutes Madueke and Martinelli. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings.

Rice, who played a key role in midfield, said the performance underlined the tactical quality required to beat Bayern, but cautioned against long-term assumptions. “Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe,” Rice said. “We went man to man with them in the second half and I thought we were outstanding. There is a hunger and desire to win every game, but there is a long way to go — let’s not get carried away.”

Arsenal were knocked out by Bayern at the quarterfinal stage two seasons ago, and Arteta said the squad has evolved since that defeat. “We are different, they are different as well,” the Arsenal manager said. “Hopefully, we have learned and improved. We’ve certainly been very consistent in the competition so far, but it’s just the beginning.”

The win continues Arsenal’s strong European form and strengthens their position as early contenders, while Bayern face their first setback of the season under new pressure to keep pace in the group.