A multitude of events and transformations have unfolded since Arsenal last participated in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Over the past years, the United Kingdom has witnessed the leadership of four Prime Ministers, the global outbreak of a pandemic, and even the dramatic rescue of an entire Thai football team from the flooded Tham Luang Cave, among many other significant developments.
These historic moments have passed, and Arsenal, one of England’s revered clubs, could not have foreseen a lengthy six-year absence from the Champions League.
The departure of Arsene Wenger, the legendary figure in modern football, during this period, presented a daunting challenge for the North London club in finding a suitable successor.
Navigating through the turbulent period under Unai Emery, the acquisition of Mikel Arteta is increasingly viewed as a stroke of profound genius.
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The Spaniard has instilled a Guardiola-inspired style of football at the Emirates, and with arguably one of the youngest and most exciting squads in the Premier League, it is no surprise that Arsenal has returned to its rightful place, competing among Europe’s elite for the ultimate prize.
With the Champions League returning to the London Borough of Islington, it’s an opportune moment to reminisce about the last Arsenal team that graced the tournament, albeit in a challenging 1-5 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Arsenal has finally reclaimed their place among Europe’s elite and is set to make a triumphant return on Wednesday evening.
They will host PSV Eindhoven in their opening Group B encounter, marking a significant milestone in the club’s journey.
As Arsenal prepares for their return, it’s worth noting that only one current player, Mohamed Elneny, was part of the squad the last time Arsenal competed in a Champions League match in March 2017.
However, Elneny missed that night’s encounter due to injury, and a completely different starting XI will take the field for Wednesday’s opener against PSV, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Arsenal’s European journey.
Here are the full line-ups from the match at the Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Philip Lahm, Javi Martinez, Mats Hummels, David Alaba, Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa, Robert Lewandowski.
Subs: Sven Ulreich, Rafinha, Juan Bernat, Thomas Muller, Kinsley Coman, Joshua Kimmich, Renato Sanches.
Arsenal: David Ospina, Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Francis Coquelin, Granit Xhaka, Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez.
Subs: Petr Cech, Gabriel, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott, Nacho Monreal, Danny Welbeck, Mohamed Elneny.
Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)
