Arsenal delivered one of their most emphatic European performances under Mikel Arteta as they swept aside Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates to maintain their perfect Champions League record and underline their status as serious contenders.
The game had been billed as a meeting of two of Europe’s strongest sides and it lived up to the hype for most of a tense, high-paced evening in north London.
Arsenal struck first when Jurrien Timber rose at the near post to head in Bukayo Saka’s corner, continuing a set-piece streak that has become a defining feature of their season.
Bayern responded well and briefly threatened to pull the match their way against the run of play.
Joshua Kimmich’s long pass released Serge Gnabry, whose cut-back gave Lennart Karl the space to fire in an equaliser that reflected Bayern’s growing confidence.
The goal shook Arsenal and the visitors came close to turning the scoreline around when Josip Stanisic drifted inside and dragged a shot wide after finding room behind Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal still lost Leandro Trossard to injury before half-time, and a loose moment between William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi nearly gifted Harry Kane a tap-in.
Arteta’s side steadied themselves at the break and returned with more control and more aggression in the final third.
Saka forced Manuel Neuer to tip over after pouncing on a rare mistake by Kimmich, and Arsenal’s threat from corners continued to unsettle Bayern each time the ball was swung into the box.
Bayern still carried danger, and Karl again escaped his marker with a sharp turn before shooting straight at David Raya.
Arsenal kept pushing and eventually reclaimed the lead after Dayot Upamecano presented Declan Rice with possession on the edge of the box.
Substitute Riccardo Calafiori moved onto the loose ball instantly and drilled a low cross for Noni Madueke to tap in his first goal for the club.
Bayern threw men forward but that approach only offered Arsenal the chance to finish the match with authority.
Eberechi Eze clipped a smart pass over the top and Gabriel Martinelli took advantage of Neuer’s poor positioning, easing the ball around the goalkeeper to seal victory.
The result keeps Arsenal top of the Champions League standings with five wins from five and leaves progression to the knockout stages all but assured.
