Arsenal maintained their flawless Champions League campaign on Wednesday, defeating Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to take the top spot in the league phase. It was the Gunners' first victory against the German giants in 10 years, ending a winless streak dating back to October 2015.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, glancing a header past Manuel Neuer from a Bukayo Saka corner. Bayern responded quickly, equalizing ten minutes later when 17-year-old Lennart Karl finished a sweeping team move involving Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.
This was the first time in this season that Arsenal conceded a goal in the competition. But despite, bayern scratching this wall, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the second half. Substitutes Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli made decisive impacts off the bench.
Madueke restored Arsenal’s lead in the 69th minute, turning in a cross from Riccardo Calafiori for his first goal since joining the club. Martinelli then sealed the victory eight minutes later, capitalizing on a misjudgment by Neuer, who rushed out to intercept an Eberechi Eze pass but missed, allowing the Brazilian to score into an empty net.
The result marked Bayern Munich’s first defeat of the season in all competitions, ending their 21-match unbeaten run. Harry Kane, returning to North London, was kept quiet by the Arsenal defense, struggling to influence proceedings despite his prolific form.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany conceded that the hosts deserved the win, noting that while his team competed well in the first half, they allowed Arsenal to control the game after the break.
With five wins from five matches and a maximum of 15 points, Arsenal sit three points clear at the top of the 36-team table and look virtually assured of a place in the round of 16. Bayern, meanwhile, dropped to third with 12 points but remain well-positioned to qualify directly.
The match also saw Leandro Trossard, limping off with an injury in the first half, while Martin Odegaard made his comeback from a long layoff.
“Today is another massive victory,” Arteta said after the match. “The energy we created in the stadium, it’s incredible.” Arsenal will now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League fixture against second-placed Chelsea on Sunday, aiming to extend their lead domestically after consecutive statement wins over Tottenham and Bayern.
