Four-goal Gnabry says Bayern rout is a message to Europe

Bayern Munich’s four-goal hero Serge Gnabry said his side’s 7-2 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday had sent a message around Europe.

The former Arsenal winger was in devastating form as Bayern recovered from an early setback to become the first team to score seven goals away to Tottenham in any competition.

Five-time European champions Bayern now lead Group B with two wins and 10 goals scored.

“I think (the other teams) know we are not stopping. After the 3-1 or 4-2 we could have stopped but we wanted more,” Gnabry, who barely got a look-in at Arsenal before leaving north London three years ago, said.

“I think it’s a big message for everyone else.”

Germany international Gnabry even failed to fire during a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion while in England but he has thrived since returning home, first with Werder Bremen and then with Bayern.

His performance on Tuesday might make Arsenal fans wonder quite why he was given so few opportunities.

“I think the last time I scored four goals was when I was a child!” the 24-year-old said.

“I’m very happy with my performance of course and glad I could help the team to such a big win. To score seven goals away at Tottenham, I don’t think this happens a lot!

“It was a great night and we’re in a good place now in the Champions League.”

After a relatively slow start to the season, Bayern have picked up the pace and are now top of the Bundesliga and with back-to-back matches to come in the Champions League against Olympiakos they look set for the knockout stages.

“I said today was one where we would see where we are,” Gnabry said. “Seven goals doesn’t happen often but we have to keep our feet on the ground. If we do that then performances like that can come more often.”