On another night, walking away from Munich with a point would have felt like a victory for Mikel Arteta.

Bayern’s record of just one defeat at home in 31 European ties, alongside scoring an average of almost six goals in each match at the Allianz Arena so far this season, made the trip a success for Arsenal - from a scoreline perspective.

But it comes with an asterisk. There is no way to sugarcoat it: the quadricep injury to Bukayo Saka is a blow for Arsenal. A huge one at that, and an issue which will weigh heavy on the mind of Arteta.

The way Saka hit the deck on eight minutes after an awkward pass, clutching his thigh before writhing in pain, didn’t require a medical expert to conclude that this was an immediate concern.

The winger quickly motioned to the bench, Arsenal’s medics rushing over to assess the player who had his arms crossed over a grimacing face.

They soon collected their prized asset and helped him hobble off the pitch. Arteta afterwards didn’t attempt to play down the matter, saying: ‘They (staff) are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news.’

He later added: ‘It doesn’t look good at all. It’s his quad and we wait for the tests.’

With Christos Tzolis already sidelined, the Gunners could ill-afford for their opposite flank to be hindered. That is now the case, with Saka, who Arsenal’s best play typically flows through, now sidelined for an unspecified period.

It’s not just goals and assists for which he is counted on, but his ability to set Jurrien Timber forward and take defenders out of their typical positions.

This gives the likes of Martin Odegaard more space to operate in and prepare those sharp through balls for the attacking line.

Kai Havertz benefits, too, from Saka’s short passes and crosses into the area. So, this injury affects much more than just the right wing itself.

The first thought goes to Arsenal’s summer business. Having sold Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and just bringing in one wide man in Tzolis, they looked light on the flanks from the outset. 

The supporters were adamant about that, and it threatens to be a damning oversight. 

But Saka's loss flings the door open for Eberechi Eze. He took his opportunity at the Allianz Arena, replacing Saka on 10 minutes and putting in a fearless display.

He kept looking to get into dangerous pockets and was rewarded with a goal of sheer class, a sample of why Arsenal wanted him in the first place - even if he faded in the latter stages. 

Odegaard’s sublime ball over the top fell into the path of Eze, who didn’t panic. With all the scrutiny around him after being hooked at half-time against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, snatching at the ball would have been the temptation.

He instead let it roll into his path without making a touch, before rifling the ball into the ground past Manuel Neuer at pace.

The finish was certainly not an easy one and reflected what Eze has been so far at Arsenal: a moments player. Capable of top-class finishes and uplifting play - as seen against Bayern or each time he faces Tottenham - but strings of mediocrity laced in between.

His moment against Bayern was Eze at his best, and it’s high time he properly steps up in Arsenal’s hour of need. Not the odd solid display, but a consistent run befitting a player of his talent.

He can look at Viktor Gyokeres for a spot of inspiration if needed. He, too, has often sat on the bench and been made to feel surplus to requirements.

The Swede put all this to the side and gave Bayern a headache after entering the pitch on 69 minutes. He hassled the backline with his runs, and fended off a defender to assist Declan Rice for Arsenal’s equaliser.

It goes to show, you just never know when an opportunity may arise in an Arsenal squad steeped in talent.

For Eze, the chance to show his true worth has arrived.