Arsenal were unstoppable on Wednesday night as Mikel Arteta’s team secured a commanding 3-1 Champions League win over Bayern Munich at the Emirates.
The victory saw Arsenal end the German champions’ 18-game unbeaten run, it also strengthened their position as the competition’s only perfect team after five group-stage victories.
Speaking after the game, Vincent Kompany admitted his side were deservedly second best.
“I don’t like excuses,” the Belgian said to reporters. “We’ve lost now, and let’s be honest: Arsenal were better today, and we have to fix that from Saturday onwards.”
Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring Arsenal’s third goal with teammates against Bayern München. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal academy product Serge Gnabry echoed his manager’s honesty, pointing to moments where Bayern simply couldn’t cope with Arsenal’s constant pressure. “You have to accept that you lose sometimes,” said Gnabry to DAZN. “Arsenal are a very strong opponent; they haven’t won all their games so far for nothing. They had a period where they pressed us back with a lot of corner kicks. We didn’t manage to do much in the second half.”
Arsenal struck first through Jurrien Timber, who rose above Manuel Neuer to nod in Bukayo Saka’s corner. Bayern equalised when 17-year-old Lennart Karl reacted quickest in a crowded box, but the Bundesliga champions struggled to build on that moment.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive third goal. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The second half was all about Arsenal. Noni Madueke’s clever movement allowed him to turn in Riccardo Calafiori’s low cross, restoring the Gunner’s lead. Bayern pushed for a response, but their biggest chance, a Serge Gnabry acrobatic attempt went begging.
Moments later, Neuer’s misjudged rush off his line allowed Gabriel Martinelli to score from distance, wrapping up Arsenal’s first victory over Bayern in 10 years.
Arsenal who are currently top of the Champions League will now turn their attention to the Premier League showdown against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a fixture that could further strengthen their grip at the top of the table.
