In the meantime, there's still a bit of hope, at least as far as Rummenigge is concerned, that continued progress by Bayern might yet persuade Guardiola that leaving this team for a different "bride" in the Premier League would be a mistake. Bayern beating England's second-best team of the moment and the first Arsenal side who look truly capable of challenging for the title since 2008 could provide some food for thought for the manager. Then again, it's only one game, and most certainly not the most important one in what is likely to be his last season in charge. Bayern should qualify for next year's knockout rounds, irrespective of Tuesday's result.

For Arsenal, there is probably not quite as much pressure as one would assume, either. While an exit in the group stage would be rather embarrassing, it would also instantly be tempered by a much-improved domestic outlook. If Arsenal supporters could trade in qualification for the last 16 for a first championship since 2004, few would think twice. If, on the other hand, Wenger's team were to manage to inflict a first really painful defeat on Bayern, confidence inside the camp would only grow bigger. The great form of Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez certainly gives plenty of cause for optimism. Guardiola's team tend to struggle against sides with extreme pace in the final third.