Arsenal thumped Bayern Munich 3–1 in a heavyweight showdown between the English and German league leaders on Wednesday, extending their perfect Champions League record this season.
The Gunners dominated the second half after 17-year-old Lennart Karl briefly pulled Bayern level. Noni Madueke restored Arsenal’s lead, and fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on a costly error from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to seal the victory.
Both sides entered the clash at the Emirates with four wins from four, with Bayern sitting narrowly above Arsenal at the top of the Champions League table.
The match was slow to ignite, but Arsenal struck first in the 22nd minute when Jurrien Timber headed in a Bukayo Saka corner, with Neuer unable to intervene. The goal was another reminder of Arsenal’s ruthless efficiency from set pieces.
Eberechi Eze, fresh off his hat-trick in Sunday’s 4–1 derby win over Tottenham, came close to doubling the lead but dragged his effort wide.
Despite Arsenal’s control, Bayern hit back swiftly in the 32nd minute. Joshua Kimmich delivered a superb diagonal pass, which Serge Gnabry—returning to his former ground—nudged on first time for Karl, who finished clinically past David Raya.
Arsenal surged forward after the break, with Neuer tipping a powerful Saka strike over the bar. Karl then broke into the Arsenal box at the other end, but his effort lacked power and was easily gathered by Raya.
As the tempo intensified, Mikel Merino miscued from another threatening Arsenal corner, before Neuer produced a stunning reflex save to deny Cristhian Mosquera from close range.
Arsenal’s pressure was relentless. Neuer again came to Bayern’s rescue, blocking Declan Rice’s effort with his legs, with Saka inches away from converting the rebound.
But the breakthrough finally arrived with just over 20 minutes remaining. A loose pass from Dayot Upamecano gifted possession to substitute Riccardo Calafiori, who crossed for Madueke to sweep home.
Bayern’s night worsened when Eze lofted a long ball over the top, catching Neuer stranded far outside his area. Martinelli’s deft first touch took him past the goalkeeper, leaving him with an empty net to calmly roll in Arsenal’s third.
The home crowd erupted, even directing chants at Bayern striker and former Tottenham talisman Harry Kane: “Harry, Harry, what’s the score?”
Despite the defeat, both clubs remain well placed to secure top-eight finishes in the new 32-team league phase, guaranteeing automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16.
AFP
