Arsenal inflicted a first defeat on Bayern Munich since the campaign got underway as they produced a scintillating Champions League performance at the Emirates Stadium to beat the German side 3-1.
The Gunners went ahead midway through the first-half as Jurrien Timber climbed highest to head in a corner from Bukayo Saka. But the visitors drew level 10 minutes later as Lennart Karl turned the ball in from close range.
Arsenal moved it up a gear in the second period, with two substitutes doing the damage to secure the win. First off, Noni Madueke turned the ball in from close range with just over 20 minutes remaining, before Gabriel Martinelli rolled the ball into an empty net after Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer had rushed off his line but failed to get the ball. And Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners players.
Arsenal player ratings (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
Couldn’t do much about Karl’s goal and didn’t have too many saves to make. Was always on hand to give his defenders an option in possession.
Jurrien Timber: 9
Is so strong on and off the ball and rose well to head in the first goal of the evening. Nearly teed up Madueke with a sumptuous volley across the area before the break.
William Saliba: 7
Looked shaky at times and almost handed Bayern a goal after seeing a clearance cannon off Martin Zubimendi and back to his goalkeeper. Had his hands full with Harry Kane but stood up well to the challenge overall.
Cristhian Mosquera: 7
Was the victim of a heavy challenge from Dayot Upamecano midway through the first-half. Then allowed Lennart Karl to steal in for Bayern’s leveller. Headed straight at Neuer on the hour-mark when he should have scored but was solid for most of the game.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 5
Was caught out by Joshua Kimmich’s ball over the top ahead of Bayern’s opener and also struggled to deal with the threat of Michael Olise as he was left in the former Crystal Palace man’s shadows at one stage.
Eberechi Eze: 6
Would have been on cloud nine after his hat-trick against Tottenham on Sunday but struggled to get into the match. Had the chance to put Arsenal 2-0 up just before Bayern’s equaliser but fired a weak effort wide. Tried a scoop pass again in the second period.
Martin Zubimendi: 9
Showed great tenacity to win a corner in the first-half and looked assured in possession. Was aggressive when he needed to be, won his headers and kept the passes ticking over.
Declan Rice: 9
Was sensational yet again. Dropped deep to receive the ball at times to get his side moving forward and galloped forward when given space. Was on free-kick duties as usual and put a series of dangerous deliveries into the box. Forced a fine save from Neuer and then celebrated after putting in a crunching tackle on Kane. Such a key man for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka: 8
Received treatment after being smacked in the face with the ball in the first-half. Then delivered a pinpoint corner onto Timber’s head for the opener. Fizzed a shot at goal just after the interval and made a nuisance of himself in attack.
Mikel Merino: 6
Filled in up front once again in the absence of Viktor Gyokeres but was kept quiet by the Bayern defenders. Created space for the other Arsenal forwards, however, as he made intelligent movements. Should have nodded in a header just before the hour mark.
Leandro Trossard: 8
Worked his socks off at both ends of the pitch and tracked back to help Lewis-Skelly deal with Olise but was then forced off with an injury.
Substitutions
Noni Madueke: 9
Introduced to the action when Leandro Trossard suffered an injury and almost got on the end of a Timber cross soon afterwards. Was dangerous in possession down the left and got his reward with his side’s second goal.
Riccardo Calafiori: 8
Came on for Lewis-Skelly with just over 20 minutes remaining and teed up Madueke for the Gunners’ second goal almost instantly.
Gabriel Martinelli: 8
Replaced Bukayo Saka in a double substitution when Riccardo Calafiori was brought on. And kept his cool to grab Arsenal’s third.
Ben White: 6
Came on for Timber with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Martin Odegaard: 6
Introduced at the same time as Ben White in the place of Eberechi Eze.