Mikel Arteta has claimed that Arsenal must 'play without fear' when they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight.

The Gunners welcome the defending champions to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Despite Arsenal being underdogs for the encounter, Arteta believes that his side need to show plenty of courage if they are to be competitive against the Germans.

"We have to have respect them but we can't be frightened, we can't play with fear," he told the club's official website. "They won't like coming here, coming to the Emirates is a difficult ground.

"If we show that we are really at it and we want it, then they are going to face a difficult game here."

Arsenal were beaten on away goals by Bayern in the last 16 of last season's competition.

Written by
Jack Prescott