Arsenal Sweep Aside Bayern Munich to Preserve Perfect Champions League Record

Arsenal maintained their flawless Champions League campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, overpowering the Bundesliga leaders in a high-quality contest at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League frontrunners asserted their dominance in the second half, having initially been pegged back by 17-year-old Lennart Karl after Jurrien Timber’s early opener.

Substitutes Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli made decisive impacts after the interval, with Madueke restoring Arsenal’s lead before Martinelli capitalised on a catastrophic mistake from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to seal the points. England captain Harry Kane endured a deeply frustrating return to London, rarely influencing the match despite his prolific scoring form for the six-time European champions.

“Look at Bayern Munich this season — they’ve been the best team in Europe,” midfielder Declan Rice told TNT Sports. “This was probably the toughest game tactically we’ve played this season. The way they move the ball is so, so good.”

Reflecting on Arsenal’s progression compared with previous seasons, Rice added: “There are so many leaders in the team now. We’re taking it one game at a time. There’s a real hunger and desire to win every match. There’s a long way to go, so we won’t get carried away.”

Both teams came into the fixture with a perfect record from their opening four matches, with Bayern sitting narrowly above Arsenal on goal difference.

Set-Piece Precision

The match was slow to ignite, but Arsenal struck in the 22nd minute through a well-worked corner routine. Timber rose to head home Bukayo Saka’s delivery, with Neuer unable to reach the ball as it flashed past him — another demonstration of Arsenal’s exceptional set-piece efficiency this season.

Eberechi Eze, fresh from a hat-trick in the weekend’s 4–1 win over Tottenham, should have doubled the advantage but dragged his effort wide when well placed.

Despite Arsenal’s control, Bayern levelled unexpectedly in the 32nd minute. Joshua Kimmich delivered an outstanding diagonal pass, which Serge Gnabry cushioned beautifully into the path of Karl. The young midfielder finished confidently beyond David Raya to silence the home supporters.

Arsenal Take Charge

Arsenal reasserted their authority after the restart. Neuer was forced to palm over a fierce strike from Saka before Karl advanced dangerously into the Arsenal penalty area, only to be denied by a tame finish.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Mikel Merino failing to make clean contact from a corner and Neuer producing an excellent reflex save to deny Cristhian Mosquera from close range.

Rice went close moments later, driving through on goal only to be thwarted by Neuer’s outstretched leg. Saka was unable to convert the rebound as Bayern’s defence scrambled.

Arsenal’s pressure eventually told with just over 20 minutes remaining. Dayot Upamecano attempted a risky pass across the back line, which substitute Riccardo Calafiori intercepted. His cross found Madueke, who swept the ball home to restore Arsenal’s lead.

The Gunners then exploited another Bayern error to secure the win. Eze lofted a long pass over the top, catching Neuer stranded far from his goal. Martinelli’s first touch took him past the helpless goalkeeper, leaving him with an open run to slot into an empty net.

Arsenal supporters revelled in the moment, serenading former Tottenham striker Kane with chants of: “Harry, Harry, what’s the score?”

With five wins from five, Arsenal sit firmly in control of their Champions League group and continue to demonstrate the consistency and tactical maturity required to contend at the highest level.