Noni Madueke scored his first Champions League goal for Arsenal as the Gunners produced a strong home performance against Bayern Munich to maintain their perfect run in the competition.
Arsenal controlled the game from the start and went ahead in the 22nd minute when Jurrien Timber headed in Bukayo Saka’s corner. It was Arsenal’s 10th goal from a corner this season, the most by any team in Europe’s top leagues.
Bayern responded shortly after, with Joshua Kimmich finding Serge Gnabry on the wing. The former Arsenal man squared the ball for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to finish from close range. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in the competition this season.
Arsenal, however, did not lose their rhythm.
Madueke restored the lead when Riccardo Calafiori fired a low cross into the box, and the England winger reacted quickly to turn it in. The game was sealed later when Eberechi Eze lifted a pass over Bayern’s defence and Gabriel Martinelli rounded goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to score, leaving Bayern frustrated.
Arsenal’s strong form continues
This week was expected to test Mikel Arteta’s side, with games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. But Arsenal have handled the pressure well, scoring heavily and showing confidence across the squad.
Arteta made only two changes from the team that beat Spurs, and the depth of his squad once again proved important as Madueke and Martinelli came off the bench to make an impact.
Arsenal are still top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables and have lost just one match all season. With more first-team players returning from injury, they look increasingly difficult to stop.
Bayern’s mixed night
Bayern came into the match unbeaten this season but struggled to match Arsenal’s energy. Harry Kane saw very little of the ball, and Michael Olise — one of Bayern’s best performers this season — also found it difficult to influence the game.
Their brightest moment came from teenage forward Lennart Karl, who scored and looked confident throughout the night.
But overall, Bayern could not cope with Arsenal’s pressing, their set-piece threat, and the pace of the substitutes who finished the match strongly.
