Before the game, Arsène Wenger told BT Sport that a win to see Arsenal through in the Champions League on Wednesday night would be his greatest escape.

After the game, he said the same thing. Heading into the game, the Gunners knew a win by two goals would be enough to head into the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

The side delivered, with an Olivier Giroud hat-trick taking Arsenal to a 3-0 win and the last 16 of the Champions League yet again.

“I’m very proud of the team,” said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger after the game. “We needed to be right on the mental side and the tactical side as well.”

The boss made a point to credit his side’s endeavour for the third goal, which put the game beyond doubt. At 2-0 Arsenal were heading through but the game was finely balanced, going three up erased any doubt and nerves to complete a famous win.

After losing the opening two group games, Wenger credited the spirit of his side to come back and qualify.

“Nine times out of ten you are out, we needed something special to switch it on and come back like we did.

“We needed a complete team performance, this team is really a team and they showed it again tonight.”

Out of the group against all odds, how far could Arsenal go now?

“I believe as well, we escaped, maybe it’s a lucky year for us in the Champions League,” Wenger said. “Let’s wait for what happens (in the draw) on Monday.”

The draw could pit Arsenal against Spanish giants Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

But, right now, who cares?