Arsenal produced a scintillating performance in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium, defeating the German side 3-1 and suffering their first defeat to Bayern Munich since the start of the season.
The Gunners took the lead midway through the first half when Julian Timber peaked in with a header from Bukayo Saka’s corner. However, the visitors equalized 10 minutes later with Lennart Karl slotting in the ball from close range.
Arsenal stepped up a gear in the second period, with two substitutes doing their damage and securing the win. First, with just over 20 minutes remaining, Noni Madueke put the ball in from close range, Manuel Neuer rushed forward but was unable to get the ball, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to roll into the empty net.
Express Sport rates the Gunners’ players and plans after tonight’s emphatic win…
Arsenal player rating (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
We couldn’t do anything about Karl’s goal and didn’t make many saves. Always on hand to give defenders possession options.
Julian Timber: 9
He was very strong on and off the ball and scored his first goal of the night with a header. Before the break, he fired a powerful volley into the area, almost teeing Madueke up.
William Saliba: 7
He looked erratic at times and almost gifted Bayern a goal when Martin Zvimendi’s clear cannon went back to the goalkeeper. They had their hands full with Harry Kane, but overall they rose to the challenge well.
Cristian Mosquera: 7
Midway through the first half, he fell victim to a fierce challenge from Dayot Upamecano. He then allowed Lennart Karl to steal Bayern’s equalizing goal. Neuer took a header straight at the one-hour mark when he should have scored, but was solid for most of the match.
Miles Lewis-Skelly: 5
They also struggled to deal with the threat of Michael Oliseh, who was left in the former Crystal Palace man’s shadow at one point after being caught out by a ball that went over Joshua Kimmich’s head ahead of Bayern’s opener.
Eberechi Eze: 6
He should have scored a hat-trick against Tottenham on Sunday and achieved his best result, but he struggled to get into the game. Arsenal had a chance to take a 2-0 lead just before Bayern equalized, but the shot just went wide. He attempted another scoop pass in the second period.
Martin Zvimendi: 9
They showed tenacity in winning a corner kick in the first half and looked like they had possession of the ball. He played aggressively when needed, winning headers and continuing to connect passes.
Declan Rice: 9
It was sensational again. At times he would drop deep to receive the ball and advance his team, sprinting forward when given space. As usual, he took on free-kick duties and fired a series of dangerous shots into the box. He forced Neuer into a fine save and celebrated with a hard tackle on Kane. He is truly a key player for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka: 8
He was hit in the face with a ball in the first half and received treatment. He then took the lead with a pinpoint corner over Timber’s head. Immediately after the interval, he took a shot on goal and disrupted the attack.
Mikel Merino: 6
In the absence of Viktor Gokeres, he once again filled in up front, but was kept quiet by the Bayern defense. However, his smart move created space for other Arsenal forwards. He should have gotten the nod in the header just before the hour.
Leandro Trossard: 8
He pulled his socks off at both ends of the pitch and tracked back to help Louis Skelly deal with Olise, but was subsequently sent off with an injury.
substitute
Noni Maduke: 9
Leandro Trossard came into the game shortly after with an injury when he almost ran onto Timber’s cross. He played dangerously in possession on the left, but was rewarded with his team’s second goal.
Riccardo Calafioli: 8
Madueke came on for Lewis Skelly with just over 20 minutes left and almost instantly scored the Gunners’ second goal.
Gabriel Martinelli: 8
When Riccardo Calafioli was brought on, he made two substitutions in place of Bukayo Saka. He then kept his cool and scored Arsenal’s third goal.
Ben White: 6
Timber appeared with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Martin Odegaard: 6
He replaced Eberechi Eze and appeared at the same time as Ben White.
