This is a special, special Arsenal team we are watching right now. I must admit I went into this one with a bit of trepidation as Bayern’s record this season, albeit mostly in the German league which is obviously no Premier League, is scary good with an average of more than 3 goals scored a game. I didn’t think we would lose. I thought a score draw might have been a possible outcome as both teams have been free flowing in attack lately and without Gabriel, our defensive side was bound to suffer a little bit.
Clearly I don’t have enough faith in my own team and for that, I apologise.
Bayern came out of the blocks really well early doors and it seemed so strange as Arsenal were faced with a side that actually looked to attack us and dominante the ball. It’s been a long time since I’d seen that and it took some getting used to. The Germans were popping the ball around nicely and pressing really aggressively, but Arsenal remained calm and just rode out the storm. Around 15-20 minutes, Arsenal started to take a foot hold in the game and push the Germans back a bit.
Arsenal looked a real threat from set pieces again tonight (after Sunday’s disgraceful set pieces-less win!) and the Bayern defence looked more and more shaky with each delivery. It was no surprise that Arsenal’s first goal of the night game from a corner with Jurrien Timber heading home a superb Bukayo Saka corner, with Manuel Neuer in no man’s land.
Arsenal should have made it two when Eberechi Eze did superbly to take the ball down, nutmeg a defender and play a one-two with Mikel Merino. Unfortunately the finish (or pass to Saka?) wasn’t of the same standard as his first touch and the chance was gone without testing Neuer.
Bayern continued to look a threat though, especially when they looked to switch the ball quickly and again, this is where Bayern profited from. It’s rare that I am actually classy enough to admit an opposing team has done something good (especially in the moment where the disappoint is still very raw) yet I couldn’t say anything other than ‘well done’ upon seeing Bayern’s equaliser.
There was quite a few passes in the build up, but to be honest, that isn’t the bit that impressed me. Joshua Kimmich played an inch perfect diagonal into the path of Serge Gnabry, just too high for Lewis-Skelly to reach, which the German volleyed across the box first time, for the onrushing Karl to finish from around the penalty spot. It was a beautiful goal in its simplicity. One touch passes, sharp movement. Nothing we can do.
Arsenal did not let that get them down and continued to threaten at the other end, with set pieces looking like the most likely route for goal, as the German’s fear seemed to be growing with each corner/free kick.
It was an even game though, played by two teams on the top of their respective games and the half time score of 1-1 was probably a fair reflection on what had gone beforehand.
The second half, was a different story.
Arsenal were by far the better side in the second period with Declan Rice running all over the Bayern midfield (and everywhere else for that matter) and the German side just couldn’t get out at all. Golden chances fell to Mikel Merino and Cristhian Mosquera, but a mixture of poor finishing and top goalkeeping kept the scores level, under the introduction of Riccardo Calalfiori, alongside Gabriel Martinelli.
The Italian was straight into the action and played a beautiful ball across for fellow substitute Noni Madueke to stab home his first goal from the club to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
It was soon three as Eberechi Eze played the ball over the back peddling Bayern defence for Gabriel Martinelli to chase. Manuel Neuer knew enough about Martinelli’s pace and his defenders lack of it to know that he needed to intervene however, he overcooked his dash from his box slightly and the Brazilian poked the ball past Neuer and raced in to slot the ball into the empty net.
The win took Arsenal to the top of the Champions League table and left the rest of Europe to ponder on what they can do to stop this Arsenal team in this kind of form.
David Raya – 7
Great distribution throughout which nearly led to an opening on a couple of occasions. Especially that really low direct pass that he fizzed towards Bukayo Saka a few times that nearly got us in behind. Absolutely no chance with the goal and made a decent stop from Lennart Karl in what was pretty much his only involvement in the second half.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Opened the scoring with a fine header and was his usual fantastic self in defence. That inane ability to wrap his leg around the attacker and poke the ball away was on show again as he locked down his side of the pitch. Not as much of a threat going forward in recent games, but this was still a really strong showing.
William Saliba – 8
Harry who? Saliba and Mosquera marshalled the defence expertly throughout and left the England captain feeding off scraps. Saliba also brought the ball out of defence really well throughout and even tried the odd through ball, which didn’t come off, but highlight his growing influence in the attacking third.
Cristhian Mosquera – 8
Like Saliba, Mosquera put Kane in his bag pocket and was also really good at keeping the ball under pressure and recycling time and time again. Hincapie or Mosquera? Apparently it doesn’t really matter!!
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
A tough night for the Hale-Ender as Olise gave him a really tough time and as a result, he was unable to offer anything meaningful going the other way. Stuck to his task well though and let’s not forget, he’s only 18 and this is Bayern Munich!!
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Has developed a really strong partnership with Declan Rice, and the two worked in tandem perfectly all night. Was busy on the ball as always and kept Arsenal ticking over while allowing Rice the freedom to take the game to Bayern.
Declan Rice – 9 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Good in the first half, unbelievable in the second half. Where did his pace come from?! He just seems to have gone up a level overnight somehow. His running is usually strong, but tonight he was on another level. Was unusual to see him driving into the box so directly and it nearly yielded a goal on a couple of occasions, if not for bad look and/or poor finishing. Put in tackle after tackle and was an absolute nightmare for Bayern from first minute to last. Unreal.
Eberechi Eze – 8
Some nice touches and linkup play that nearly led to some superb goals in the first half. Worked tirelessly again and was rewarded for his toil with an assist for Martinelli’s goal with a lovely clipped ball over the top.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Brilliant corner to set up the first goal and some excellent hold up play which has become such an important part of the Arsenal attack, almost in the same way a centre forward brings others into the game, Saka is able to do something similar with his skill and strength and awareness of space. Didn’t seem to happy to be substituted for Gabriel Martinelli, but then, I don’t really want him to be happy either!
Mikel Merino – 7
A big threat from set pieces again, as he nearly helped himself to a goal from a couple of corners. Led the line well and has developed a good understanding with Eze, who seemed to be playing a lot closer to Merino in this game than previously. Worked his socks off, as he pressed Neuer relentlessly.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Didn’t really have chance to get into the game before being withdrawn with what looked to be a calf issue. Hopefully it was just a precaution. Took the team talk in the pre-game huddle, which highlights his growing influence in the Arsenal dressing room.
Subs:
Noni Madueke – 8 – Introduced in the first half for Trossard and instantly adjusted to the pace of the game to have a really strong performance. Capped it off with his first Arsenal goal, which he REALLY enjoyed. Nice to have him back
Gabriel Martinelli – 8 – Another that it’s nice to have back. Unused substitute at the weekend, Martinelli was introduced for Saka around the 70 minute mark and showed why he’s the man for these Champions League games. The tiring Bayern defence had no match for the Brazilian’s pace, as he raced away to seal the game for Arsenal.
Riccardo Calafiori – 8 – Instant impact, as his run and cross gained the Italian an assist for the second goal to put Arsenal back in front. Was also really strong in defence and showed Lewis-Skelly how to deal with Olise, as Calafiori marked the Frenchman out of the game after his introduction.
Ben White – 6 – Got some much needed minutes under his belt. The game was mostly over when he came on, but he helped close out the game well.
Martin Odegaard – 7 – ANOTHER one who it’s nice to have back. Fantastic flick which nearly made a sumptuous goal. More to come from the skipper.