Arsenal defeat Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates, staying perfect in the Champions League with goals from Timber, Madueke and Martinelli.
LONDON: Arsenal defeated Bayern Munich 3-1 in a clash between the English and German league leaders to maintain their flawless Champions League record.
The Gunners dominated the second half after Bayern’s 17-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl cancelled out Jurrien Timber’s first-half opener.
Substitute Noni Madueke restored Arsenal’s lead before fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on a huge Manuel Neuer error to seal the victory.
England captain Harry Kane had a miserable return to London as a peripheral figure despite his impressive scoring record for the six-time European champions.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice told TNT Sports this was their toughest tactical challenge this season.
“Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe,” Rice said.
The England international noted this campaign feels different from previous seasons when Arsenal fell short.
“There are so many leaders in the team,” Rice added. “We are just taking it one game at a time.”
Both teams entered the Emirates clash with perfect records from their opening four Champions League matches.
Arsenal went ahead in the 22nd minute when Timber headed home a Bukayo Saka corner.
The goal highlighted Arsenal’s relentless brilliance from set-pieces this season.
Bayern equalised in the 32nd minute through Karl’s confident finish after Joshua Kimmich’s superb diagonal ball.
Arsenal dominated the second half with Neuer making several important saves to keep Bayern in contention.
The pressure finally told when substitute Riccardo Calafiori crossed for Madueke to score with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Martinelli sealed the victory after Neuer ventured well outside his area and was stranded.
Delirious Arsenal fans taunted former Tottenham player Kane with chants of “Harry, Harry, what’s the score” as they revelled in his misery. – AFP
