Arsenal's real defensive test is still coming up, and it might be painful

Arsenal's defence has been absolutely superb this season and they have so far maintained their status as one of the world's most formidable sides, but their real test is still coming up and it has potential to be painful.

The Gunners host high-flying Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash this evening and their backline will need to be on red alert as they come up against a side capable of doing some serious damage in front of goal.

Mikel Arteta will be confident his team can withstand the Bavarian barrage, but with previous records to go by, Arsenal could have a long night ahead against the German champions.

Bayern Munich will be Arsenal's real defensive test

While Arsenal have been tremendous in front of goal so far this campaign, the secret to their success has been their brilliance at the back. Arteta's side have conceded just six goals this season, all of which came in the Premier League, and also managed to keep eight consecutive clean sheets to equal a 122-year-old club record.

The Gunners have managed to keep a number of top sides at bay, but Bayern will now be ready to pose a completely different threat. Vincent Kompany's team are enjoying an unbeaten start to the season and have been absolutely ruthless in attack, netting 64 goals in 18 games across all competitions and 14 goals in four Champions League matches.

Leading their attack is the ever-present Harry Kane, who has a good personal record against Arsenal thanks to his time at Tottenham, as well as the dangerous likes of Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry. That trio will be prepared to fight to continue the strong head-to-head record Bayern boast against the north London side.

Since the first encounter between the two clubs during the 2000/01 Champions League season, the Gunners and Bayern have met 14 times with the Bundesliga giants winning eight and Arsenal just three. In those matches, the German club have scored 30 goals and they will be looking to add to that tally this evening.

There is no denying that the Gunners are a completely different side to those that have previously faced Bayern and most will argue that they have a real chance to nick a good result over their familiar foes.

However, Kompany's side will provide Arsenal with a very tough test as they look to go clear at the top of the league phase table and continue their outstanding start to the season.

Arteta will be aware of Bayern's threat and it will be a key part of his game plan to ensure his squad are cautious of that. It might be painful, it might not, but Arsenal will certainly be facing their toughest defensive test this evening.