The first tranche of the final group games of the Champions League is in the bag. Arsenal goes through as group leaders for the first time in a very long time; Napoli beat Benfica to go through on top of Group B, and Celtic pick up a respectful draw in Manchester.
Arsenal will move into the Round of 16 draw as group leaders courtesy of a hat trick from Lucas Perez in a 4-1 rout away to FC Basel. Paris St Germain – who would have gone through as group leaders with a home win against Ludogorets – could only manage a 2-2 draw.
It’s the first time Arsenal have won their Champions League group since 2011-12. It’s also the first time they have gone through the group phase unbeaten since they reached the final way back in 2005-06.
Arsenal looks good this season. They have only lost two games in 23 in all competitions, but they haven’t progressed past the Round of 16 of the Champions League for the past six seasons.