Arsenal delivered a commanding second-half performance to hand Bayern Munich their first defeat of the season, running out 3-1 winners in a heavyweight Champions League clash at the Emirates.
The victory not only underlined the Gunners’ growing stature in Europe but also preserved their flawless record in the group stage, making them the only side with a 100% return so far.
The game pitted Europe’s top-ranked teams against each other, with Bayern arriving unbeaten in all competitions and boasting the continent’s most prolific attack, while Arsenal carried the best defensive record.
Early on, Vincent Kompany’s side controlled possession, with Manuel Neuer completing more passes in the opening 15 minutes than any Arsenal player. But their dominance was undone when Bukayo Saka’s corner was headed in by Jurrien Timber, continuing Arsenal’s remarkable set-piece record of 10 goals from corners this season, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Bayern responded through Joshua Kimmich’s incisive pass to Serge Gnabry, who set up 17-year-old Lennart Karl to score. Karl became the youngest player ever to net against Arsenal in the Champions League, and it was also the first goal Arsenal had conceded at home in the group stage under Mikel Arteta.
The second half, however, belonged entirely to Arsenal. They outshot Bayern 9-5, with 15 touches in the visitors’ box compared to Bayern’s six.
Substitutes swung the game decisively: Riccardo Calafiori’s cross was finished by Noni Madueke for his first Arsenal goal, before Gabriel Martinelli raced clear to add a third. Martinelli has now scored in all four of his Champions League appearances this season, his best return in Europe.
With this victory, Arsenal remain perfect in Europe and head into a looming clash with Chelsea looking unstoppable.
