Arsenal 3-1 Bayern: Gunners extend perfect Champions League start

Substitutes Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli struck late in the second half to earn Arsenal a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, maintaining the Gunners’ 100% record in the Champions League and handing the German giants their first defeat of the season.

In a clash between the competition’s top two sides, Mikel Arteta’s men showcased their squad depth to overcome a resilient Bayern outfit. The victory ensures Arsenal remain at the summit of the 36-team league phase with five wins from five matches.

Set-piece dominance continues

Arsenal asserted control early and were rewarded in the 22nd minute through a familiar route. Jurrien Timber rose highest to power home a header from a Bukayo Saka corner. It marked the 10th goal Arsenal have scored from a corner this season, a statistic that currently leads all teams in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, grew into the game and found an equaliser ten minutes later. Joshua Kimmich’s expansive cross-field pass released former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry, who squared the ball for Lennart Karl. The 17-year-old tapped in from close range to score on just his second Champions League start, becoming the first player to breach Arsenal’s defence in Europe this campaign.

‘Finishers’ make the difference

With the game finely poised in the second half, Arteta turned to his bench, deploying what he terms his “finishers.” The impact was immediate.

England winger Noni Madueke, a summer arrival at the Emirates, restored Arsenal’s lead with his first goal for the club. He diverted a powerful cross from fellow substitute Riccardo Calafiori into the net to make it 2-1.

The result was secured in the closing stages by another substitute, Gabriel Martinelli. Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Eberechi Eze—fresh from his heroics in the North London Derby—Martinelli rounded goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who was caught stranded outside his area, to slot into an empty net.

Kane and Olise stifled

While Arsenal’s attack flourished, Bayern’s star forwards were largely nullified. Harry Kane cut a frustrated figure on his return to north London, starved of service and unable to influence proceedings. Similarly, Michael Olise, despite a stellar season boasting nine goals and 10 assists, was kept quiet by Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, who started in a reshuffled backline alongside Cristhian Mosquera.

Analysis: Arsenal fighting on all fronts

This victory caps a stellar week for Arsenal, who thrashed rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 just days prior. Despite missing key players throughout the campaign, the return of Martin Odegaard, Martinelli, and Madueke suggests the Gunners are hitting peak form at a crucial juncture.

Sitting top of both the Premier League and the Champions League, Arsenal’s ability to rotate against elite opposition like Bayern suggests they are genuine contenders for their first major trophy since 2020.

Match Stats