Mesut Ozil sent out a cheeky message of gratitude to Ludogorets on social media after the Bulgarian side stunned Paris Saint-Germain to send Arsenal through to the round of 16 as Group A winners.

Arsenal went into match day six needing Ludogorets to take at least a point from their game against PSG at the Stade de France if the Gunners were to finish top of the group and avoid the tournament’s big guns in the next round.

And, against all odds, after Arsenal won 4-1 away to Basel thanks largely to a Lucas Perez hat-trick, Ludogorets pulled off the seemingly impossible to seal a 2-2 draw against the French champions.

Following the final whistle Ozil, who is renowned for his ability set up his teammates in front of goal, credited the Bulgarian champions with the Gunners’ most important assist of the season.

“Group winners! Thanks for the assist @Ludogorets1945! #YaGunnersYa #FCBvAFC @Arsenal,” he wrote on Twitter.

Their stunning performance ensured that Arsenal topped a Champions League group for the first time in six years and guaranteed Ludogorets a Europa League place ahead of Basel.

All eyes will be on the round of 16 draw on Monday as Arsenal hope to gain an easier draw than in previous years.