Arsenal had to show their character against Bayern Munich if they were to make a statement in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s side had won their opening two matches in the competition, but a trip to the Allianz Arena offered a tougher test against one of Europe’s most successful clubs.
Bayern had good reason to believe they could extend their strong record at home and they also wanted revenge for last season’s 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Harry Kane had looked set to lead them to victory against his former north London rivals, but Declan Rice was on hand eight minutes from time to secure a 2-2 draw. Substitute Viktor Gyokeres was the creator, supplying Rice to drive a low shot beyond Neuer.
Arsenal made a confident start before Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury in the 10th minute, with Eberechi Eze on to replace him. Martin Odegaard was at the centre of everything good in Arsenal’s attacking play. His passing caused Bayern problems and he produced the ball that led to the opening goal in the 25th minute.
From deep, Odegaard lifted a pass into the space behind Bayern’s defence, where Eze had enough time to let the ball bounce before firing into the far corner. A VAR check and the goal was confirmed. But Bayern responded through Kane, who had spent much of the first half dropping into midfield to help his team build attacks. The England captain showed his quality in the 35th minute when he sent a precise pass through Arsenal’s defence for Alphonso Davies.
Davies had the pace to get beyond Jurrien Timber and finish past David Raya. Bayern were level, and the goal was a perfect example of the threat Kane posed even when he was operating away from the penalty area.
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The hosts had opportunities to take the lead before the break. Serge Gnabry was unable to beat Raya after Bayern caught Arsenal out on the counterattack, and Kane also saw an effort blocked.
Arsenal remained dangerous after half-time. Manuel Neuer produced an outstanding save to keep out Bruno Guimaraes’ header from a Rice corner, tipping the ball onto the crossbar before it went behind.
Raya then matched his opposite number with a fine stop of his own. Dayot Upamecano looked set to score from close range after meeting Gnabry’s cross, but the Arsenal goalkeeper reacted quickly to keep the ball out.
The game turned in Bayern’s favour in the 61st minute. Kane had an effort blocked by Timber’s arm inside the penalty area, and the referee awarded a spot kick.
Kane took his time before sending the penalty into the net. Raya had to wait as the striker delayed his run-up before driving the ball into the corner to put Bayern ahead.
It was another painful moment for Arsenal against their old rival from Tottenham. Kane has now scored 16 goals against the Gunners in his career, adding to his record as the leading scorer in north London derby history.
Bayern appeared to have done enough to protect their advantage. Konrad Laimer came close to making it 3-1, but his shot went narrowly wide of the far post. Arsenal refused to accept defeat though. Eze continued to cause problems for the home defence, before Rice found the equaliser.
