Arsenal Sweep Aside Bayern to Stay Unbeaten in Europe
Noni Madueke opened his Arsenal account as the Gunners swept aside Bayern Munich with a three-goal display to preserve their perfect Champions League record.
Arsenal seized control from the first whistle and made their dominance count in the 22nd minute when Jurrien Timber rose highest to nod in Bukayo Saka’s corner. It marked Arsenal’s 10th goal from a corner this season – the most of any team across Europe’s top five leagues.
Bayern responded well after falling behind and levelled just 10 minutes later. Joshua Kimmich delivered a superb crossfield ball to Serge Gnabry, who squared it across goal for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to tap home. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in the Champions League this season, yet it did little to derail their momentum.
The Gunners regained control after the break. England winger Madueke restored the lead, guiding in a fierce cross from Riccardo Calafiori after the Italian substitute burst down the flank and fired the ball into the danger area.
Moments later, Arsenal sealed the win through Eberechi Eze’s vision and Gabriel Martinelli’s composure. Eze lofted a clever ball over the Bayern defence, and Martinelli rounded Manuel Neuer—who had wandered into no man’s land—before finishing coolly. The goal handed Bayern their first defeat of the campaign.
Arsenal Analysis: Another Statement Performance from Arteta’s Side
On paper, Arsenal’s week looked daunting: Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. But Mikel Arteta’s team have made the first two assignments look routine.
After putting four past rivals Spurs, they dispatched Bayern with three more, continuing to play with the authority and confidence of a team ready to secure their first major silverware since 2020.
Heading into the match, Arsenal and Bayern sat as the top two sides in the league phase, but—as has been the case so often this season—Arsenal dictated play from start to finish.
Arteta made only two changes from the derby win, bringing in Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly in defence. Squad depth has been a defining strength for the Gunners this season, enabling them to cope with injuries to several attacking players.
With Martin Ødegaard, Martinelli, and Madueke all now back from injury, Arsenal’s forward line is once again stacked with options.
Both Madueke and Martinelli came off the bench to score, reinforcing Arteta’s philosophy of using “finishers” to maintain intensity late in games.
Arsenal have lost just once all season and currently sit atop both the Premier League and Champions League standings. With key players returning and the team hitting peak rhythm, they look increasingly difficult to stop.
Bayern Analysis: Bright Karl Shines, but Kane and Olise Silenced
Bayern arrived in London unbeaten, but aside from a brief spell after their equaliser, they never looked in control against Arsenal.
Harry Kane endured a frustrating evening, receiving little service and unable to influence the game even when dropping deep.
Michael Olise, enjoying an outstanding season with 19 goal contributions, also struggled to make an impact—though he did trouble Lewis-Skelly in isolated moments.
Defending set-pieces proved a major weakness for Vincent Kompany’s side, who were repeatedly unsettled by Arsenal’s threat from corners.
The standout performer for Bayern was 17-year-old Lennart Karl. The teenager, making just his second Champions League start, scored with confidence and displayed impressive touches throughout. His development continues to be one of the few bright spots from a difficult night for the German champions.