Arsenal earned a bye to the round of 16 by finishing in the top eight of the league phase. The club will skip the two-legged playoff required by teams finishing ninth through 24th. A much-needed boost given Arsenal's injury troubles.
The club finished third in the league phase, as high as they could coming into the final day given Barcelona and Liverpool were out of reach. The side conceded just three goals in the league phase, a testament to the team's defensive strengths fueled by William Saliba and Gabriel.
