Arsene Wenger's future was plunged into further doubt on Wednesday as Thiago Alcantara inspired Bayern Munich to a 5-1 rout of hapless Arsenal to leave the Gunners facing a seventh straight Champions League last-16 exit.
Bayern extended their Champions League record to 16 straight home wins by flooring the Gunners with three goals in ten second-half minutes.
"That was a good performance, which perhaps wasn't so expected," said Thiago, who scored twice.
"We were playing at home, knew we had to score a few goals and everything worked very well after the break."
Bayern knocked Arsenal out at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 and look comfortably placed to make it four times after romping through Wednesday's first leg.
The Allianz Arena defeat raises the pressure on Wenger for the return leg on March 7 with only Alexis Sanchez's away goal for comfort.
The result matched the 5-1 group-stage thrashing Arsenal received in Munich in November 2015 - the club's joint record away defeat in Europe.
Arjen Robben's superb curling shot gave Bayern the lead on 11 minutes, but Sanchez levelled by drilling home after Manuel Neuer saved his penalty on 30 minutes.
Robben also admitted he was surprised by the big win.
"Things worked very well," said the Dutch winger.
"I am a bit surprised that we played so well, but on the other hand, I know the team has great character and can move up a gear when it matters."
Bayern hit top gear after the break with a flurry of goals in quick succession.
Robert Lewandowski headed Bayern back into the lead on 53 minutes before Thiago added two in quick succession while Thomas Mueller came off the bench to complete the rout.
Bayern spent the opening minutes camped in the Arsenal half and took the lead on 10 minutes through Robben's wonderful strike.