Mikel Arteta praised his side’s quality and resilience after Arsenal fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in an entertaining, high-quality Champions League encounter at the Allianz Arena.
Eberechi Eze and Alphonso Davies exchanged first-half goals, finishing chances created by exquisite passes from Martin Odegaard and Harry Kane respectively.
Kane then scored his customary penalty against Arsenal on the hour, sending Raya the wrong way after Jurrien Timber was penalised for handling the England international’s shot.
For a spell, Bayern threatened to put the game beyond reach, but the Gunners regained control of possession and worked their way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off with eight minutes remaining, when Declan Rice finished brilliantly to secure a share of the points.
Speaking to _TNT Sports_, Arteta was quick to acknowledge the standard both sides had set.
“Wow, what a game, that’s the level. That’s one of the highest levels that we played.
“The level of the opposition, what the game required, and our level as well. Two teams that want to press each other constantly, two teams that want to attack, that want to play. I think it was a fascinating game.”
Arsenal’s response was all the more encouraging given the early disruption caused by an injury to Saka. The winger had started brightly before going down innocuously, clutching his thigh. According to Arteta, the medical team are “a bit concerned” by the sharp pain he felt.
Eze, who had lasted only 45 minutes at Nottingham Forest, came on in his place and took up a position on the left flank. He made the most of his opportunity, breaking the deadlock after a VAR review overturned an incorrect offside decision.
“I think we started the game incredibly well, we were so dominant,” reflected Arteta. “We did everything to deserve the first goal. We didn’t score the goal, then we lost Bukayo, that actually he was having a great game. Then we had to adapt to it.
“We gave a terrible chance away after our corner, that could have cost us a goal, then they scored the goal.
“In the second half, the game was very, very even. They started probably a little bit better, scored the goal, and then you have to react.
“And in that moment, we certainly did – the spirit of the team, the quality that we showed in the second goal.”
Having watched Bayern overwhelm so many visitors to the Allianz Arena, Arteta was keen to give his players credit for the result and the performance.
“It’s remarkable what we’ve done, because I watch all the games that they have played here in the last three years, and they batter everyone, for many goals.
“So I really value and I’m really aware of what the boys have done tonight, that it’s special.”
The draw brings Arsenal’s run of 14 consecutive league phase wins to an end, but that won’t concern Arteta too much. The league phase is pretty forgiving and with seven points from three matches, and the hardest encounter of our eight fixtures out of the way, qualification shouldn’t be an issue. Saka’s muscular problem on the other hand…well, let’s wait and see.