Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour exclusively told Sports Mole that Mikel Arteta cannot take progression past Real Madrid in the Champions League for granted.
The Gunners emerged as 3-0 victors at the Emirates on Tuesday night, winning thanks to two free kicks from Declan Rice and a strike from Mikel Merino in the second half.
Real were arguably fortunate that they only conceded three goals considering shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois had to make numerous saves.
Parlour lavished praise on a number of players, but insisted that the Londoners still have to treat the second leg next Wednesday professionally, telling Sports Mole: "It's a game where Rice is going to get all the plaudits, of course he does, because he deserves it with the free kicks, but I thought the team performance was very good as well.
"Saka was excellent in that first half against Alaba - he was really struggling. I was a little bit worried going into the game because obviously Gabriel was out, but I thought Kiwior played really well alongside Saliba. Obviously they had a couple of chances in that first half with Mbappe.
"I'm always optimistic and I said, 'I do fancy us over two legs', but you never take things for granted. You're 3-0 up. They're in a great position now, but you've still got to go to Bernabeu and be professional and just see the game out now, which hopefully they'll do that, no problem."
Arsenal recorded 11 shots on target in the match, which was the joint-most on record since 2003-04 by a team in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage game against Real Madrid.
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How should Arsenal approach the second leg?
Arsenal managed to get the better of Real Madrid by playing aggressively and forcing their Spanish counterparts into making mistakes, while also taking advantage of Los Blancos' poor pressing structure.
With such a sizeable advantage heading into the second leg, Arteta could be tempted to play more conservatively in order to draw Carlo Ancelotti's side out before launching dangerous counter-attacks.
When asked by Sports Mole about how the Gunners should approach the game, Parlour argued that it could be wise to play defensively, saying: "The first 15-20 minutes in any game is so vital and especially at the Bernabeu because you've got to silence their fans. That's the most important thing. They can get an early goal, Real Madrid, then suddenly things can change very quickly in football.
"You've still got players to hit them on the break. You've still got pace in the wide areas with Saka, Martinelli to nick one on the break because you know they're going to flood people forward and it might give you an opportunity to hit them on the break. I can see goals in the second leg. I really do because I think Real Madrid have just got to go all out attack.
"I think Arsenal could nick one as well. I'm hoping they can do the job. That's how I would play it. I would play very defensive minded and then when they do over-commit players, which they will do because they're chasing goals, then you could hit them on the break. I think that could be really dangerous for them."
Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals of any team in the Premier League this campaign (26), and Arteta will believe that his side can hold onto their lead.
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Can Arsenal reach the final?
Should Arsenal progress past Real Madrid and reach the semi-final, they would face either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain, the latter of whom they beat 2-0 at the Emirates in the Champions League on October 1.
However, the Gunners have lost two and drawn one of their last four clashes against Unai Emery's Villa, winning just once in that period.
Parlour argued that Arsenal should be confident in the semi-finals due to the form of key players, when he told Sports Mole: "Martinelli has come into a bit of form. He was very good the last game I saw him at home against Fulham. He looks sharper now. He could be the man on that left-hand side.
"I fancy PSG [against Villa]. I hope Aston Villa can get through, but I fancy PSG over two legs. You're looking at Arsenal-PSG, which would be amazing. We played them in the semi-final back in the day a long time ago, 95. You have to look at the record books. We beat them in the semi-final to get to the UEFA Cup final.
"You've got to get through the second leg [against Real], and then you can really look forward to that semi-final. Give everything you've got because you can't win the league. All your eggs will be in one basket. If somehow they can get to that final and win it, what a season it's been for Arsenal."
Arsenal have never won the Champions League, but a triumph in Europe's premier competition would undoubtedly make supporters forget about their disappointing Premier League campaign.
Ray Parlour was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of Netbet Sports Betting.
Lewis Nolan
