Arsenal's cup runs over as Bayern Munich become latest victims of Gunners juggernaut
- By Yann Tear at Emirates Stadium
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Champions League MD5
Arsenal (1) 3 Timber 22, Madueke 70, Martinelli 77
Bayern Munich (1) 1 Karl 32
Arsenal's strength in depth could hardly be clearer now. This feels like a very different season from ones gone by given the power of the bench.
Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli both came on in the second half to tilt a tight battle their way, while a third sub, Riccardo Calaffiori, claimed an assist for the all-important second goal which put Arsenal ahead for a second time. They could even reintroduce skipper Martin Odegaard on his return from injury. Options everywhere.
"Harry, Harry what's the score? ' the fans chanted at Harry Kane, their long-time nemesis as the win became inevitable.
It's a case of celebration after celebration right now. Following on from Sunday's drubbing of Spurs, the week could hardly have gone better for Mikel Arteta's men who will travel to Chelsea in sky-high spirits at the weekend.
This result bucks the trend of so many clashes with Bayern in recent times. Only three wins in 14 previous meetings - eight of them defeats - makes it clear who has had the edge in battles between the two.
The Gunners were at least competitive two seasons ago - losing 3-2 after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. Before that, they shipped five goals three clashes running and were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate in 2017. But here at last was a win against the Germans - one that made it five out of five for them in the Champions League while ending Bayern's 100 per cent record.
At first they watched Bayern pass the ball around against them more than any side has done before in the opening 10 minutes of a Champions League tie since Opta began -103 passes. The solution: Take the lead from a set piece again.
Jurrien Timber was the unlikely man to spark the 'Set piece again ole, ole' chants when he was left alone to glance in Bukayo Saka's inswinging corner with his head.
Bayern had not made an unbeaten start to the campaign without good reason though - a solitary draw against Union Berlin the only blemish to a perfect winning record - and they responded with a stunning equaliser.
A diagonal from halfway from Joshua Kimmich picked out Michael Olise an the right side of the box and his cushioned volley across goal was put away by teenager Lennart Karl.
The 17-year-old had already showed a few glimpses of the poise on the ball that makes him so highly rated and he was unerring in his calm finish.
The Gunners upped the ante after the interval, with Manuel Neuer tipping a Saka shot over, with more corners coming their way as they attacked the North Bank. Mikel Merino fired just over then had two headers at goal - one straight at the keeper, the other just wide from a Declan Rice corner.
That injection of extra desire paid dividends moments after Calafiori had replaced a struggling Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Italian burst down the left to send a low cross to the six-yard box that Madueke put away for his first Arsenal goal. He had replaced an injured Leandro Trossard early on.
Not long after and another of those calm measured passes from Eberechi Eze sprang a highline and Martinelli rounded Neuer - who had recklessly advanced 35 yards from goal - before racing on and tapping into an empty net.
Right now, the Gunners can do no wrong and the Emirates is basking in it. Their side is firmly top of two leagues.
The game had a good competitive side and both Arteta and Vincent Kompany picked up yellow cards for showing a little too much passion on the sidelines for their respective teams. But one of them will care much less than the other after this one.
Gunners: (4-2-1-3) Raya - Timber (White 81), Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 68) - Zubimendi, Rice - Eze (Odegaard 81) -Saka (Martinelli 68), Merino, Trossard (Madueke 38)
Bayern: (4-2-3-1) Neuer - Laimer (Bischof 72), Upamecano (Kim 81), Tah,Stanisic - Kimmich (Goretzke 81), Pavlovic - Olise, Karl (Guerrero 81), Gnabry (Jackson 72) - Kane
