Bayern Munich vs Arsenal delivered exactly what the billing promised: goals, a penalty, a late twist and a heavyweight scrap. At the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, the two sides drew 2-2. Declan Rice stole the limelight from Harry Kane, but Kane still left with a place in the record books.
How the Goals Unfolded
Arsenal struck first. Eberechi Eze scored the opener after replacing the injured Bukayo Saka. The lead lasted only ten minutes. Alphonso Davies levelled in the 35th minute after a through-ball from Kane.
The decisive swing came just after the hour. Kane scored from the spot after Jurrien Timber was penalised for handball while blocking his shot. Bayern looked set to take all three points.
Then came Rice. In the 82nd minute he finished past Manuel Neuer from an acute angle after a passing sequence involving Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. It was a special goal for him too, because it was his first of the season and his first away from home in the Champions League.
Harry Kane’s Milestone
So what was the milestone? The penalty was Kane’s 16th goal in 22 appearances against Arsenal. It also made him only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in 10 consecutive Champions League games. Kane keeps finding ways to hurt his old Premier League rivals, even on a night when he does not get the win.
Arsenal’s Winning Run Ends, But the Table Looks Good
The draw ended Arsenal’s 14-game winning streak in the Champions League league phase, the second longest in the competition’s history after Bayern. That is a big streak to lose, but this is hardly a bad night. Arsenal sit seventh with seven points from three games, while Bayern are 14th with five.
For Arsenal fans there is one worry. Mikel Arteta’s praise for the performance came alongside concern over Saka’s injury.
Fine Margins in Munich
This was a game of small moments. Neuer somehow kept out a close-range header from Guimaraes after a Rice corner, and the ball hit the crossbar. At the other end, Konrad Laimer fired wide when Bayern had a chance to double their lead. One inch either way and the story changes.
Sky’s analysts also said the performance defied the critics of Arsenal’s style. Away at Bayern, the Premier League champions answered with grit, patience and a good finish.
The Bottom Line
The Bayern 2-2 Arsenal result gives both clubs something. Bayern got a record from Kane and a reminder that they can hurt anyone at home. Arsenal got a point, a hero in Rice and proof that their winning habit travels. Both sides will back themselves to climb the Champions League table from here.
You can also check out our YouTube for more sport news @ShapHub
