Martin Keown reserved special praise for Declan Rice following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, applauding the midfielder on perhaps the ‘most complete performance’ of his career.
Arsenal dealt the first blow against the run of play as Jurrien Timber headed home Bukayo Saka’s inswinging corner to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute of Wednesday’s Champions League thriller at the Emirates.
Lennart Karl, 17, finished off an exquisite 24-pass move to level for Bayern just ten minutes later, becoming the youngest player in history to score in their first two appearances in the competition.
But the Gunners dug deep and once again showed their spirit and togetherness to turn the heavyweight group-stage tie back in their favour, with Mikel Arteta’s substitutions working wonders in the second period.
Noni Madueke directed home a pinpoint cross from fellow substitute Riccardo Calafiori to restore Arsenal’s advantage and Gabriel Martinelli increased the deficit in the 77th minute, capitalising on some questionable goalkeeping from Manuel Neuer.
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The result saw Arteta’s side open up a three-point lead at the top of the table after five group matches. The north Londoners will look to make it six from six when they resume their campaign away to Club Brugge on December 10.
A possible injury to Leandro Trossard was the only negative on an otherwise dream night for the hosts ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.
‘I was out of my seat in that second half. Declan Rice makes a tackle near the dugout and then suddenly Calafiori down that left-hand side, what a ball into the box,’ ex-Arsenal and England defender Keown said on TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle.
‘Two substitutes, decisions at the right time, but they went through the gears, Arsenal, and they lay down a marker with that performance tonight.
‘Spurs at the weekend and Bayern Munich got worked tonight and they realised really what a contender Arsenal are in the Champions League this season.’
Metro at the Match: Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
From the Emirates, Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the winners and losers from Arsenal’s statement victory over Bayern.
Jurrien Timber excels again
Gary Neville recently lauded Timber as one of the best full-backs in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Got Arsenal’s opener and was superb in all aspects of the game, it’s no coincidence that Michael Olise’s assist for the opening goal came after he drifted over he opposite flank.
Bukayo Saka singled out
The Arsenal forward provided the assist for Timber’s opener, but in open play, found himself man-marked to within an inch of his life by several Bayern players. A reflection of his talent, no doubt, but a problem he will have to learn to deal with on a more than regular basis.
Tricky night for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Lewis-Skelly will need to do far more than this if he is to force his way back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. The 19-year-old struggled against Olise when he moved to the left flank and completed just seven of his 12 passes before making way in the 68th minute.
Arsenal match ratings: Raya 7, Timber 9, Saliba 7, Mosquera 7, Lewis-Skelly 6, Rice 8, Zubimendi 7, Eze 6, Saka 7, Trossard 6, Merino 7. Subs: Martinelli 7, Calafiori 7, White N/A, Odegaard N/A.
Lennart Karl, remember the name
Harry Kane had talked up the talents of 17-year-old Karl pre-match, and the German certainly delivered on the hype. Deployed in the No10 role, the teenager was a hive of energy and rounded off a superb Bayern move for their first goal.
Harry Kane quiet on Emirates return
Kane won’t be the last striker to enjoy a quiet night up against this Arsenal backline. At times, the England captain was most involved when he was forced to track back well into his side’s half to stop Saka getting on the ball.
A reminder that Arsenal are still yet to concede at home in the group/league phase of the Champions League since returning under Arteta in the 2023–24 season.
Bayern Munich match ratings: Neuer 5, Laimer 6, Tah 6, Upamecano 5, Stanisic 6, Kimmich 6, Pavlovic 6, Olise 7, Karl 7, Gnabry 5, Kane 5. Subs: Bischof 6, Jackson 5, Goretzka N/A, Guerreiro N/A, Kim N/A.
Keown waxed lyrical about Rice’s individual display, saying it was as if the England international had been given ‘the keys to the city’.
‘He was galloping around that pitch. It was as if they gave him the keys to the city,’ Keown said of Rice, who deservedly went home with the man-of-the-match award.
‘It was the most complete performance that I’ve seen this young man play.’
Keown made sure to highlight the important role Martin Zubimendi plays in allowing Rice to roam and wreak havoc going forward.
‘Zubimendi made it possible, he sits deep in that midfield, he navigates for Arsenal with the ball and then Rice can get forward,’ he continued.
On top of that you’ve got [Eberechi] Eze pulling strings, different class, Saka, always there.
‘And this guy up top, [Mikel] Merino, he puts a performance in and every one of those players tonight… substitutes, it was a show of strength from the squad, the substitutes, it was quite remarkable.
‘Everything came together, the manager making the right decisions at the right time. It was a very good night for Arsenal.’