Arsenal defeated German champions Bayern Munich 3-1 on a memorable evening in Europe, and one of many Gunners’ star gamers undoubtedly stole the present along with his efficiency.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect have been posed one in every of their hardest exams on paper tonight in opposition to Bayern, who’re nonetheless unbeaten within the Bundesliga and one of many favorites to win the Champions League, however they have been no match for the north London Premier League favorites.
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich – Man of the match | match ranking |
|---|---|
julian timber | 7.7 |
Bukayo Saka | 7.4 |
Riccardo Calafioli | 7.4 |
Renato Karl | 7.4 |
Declan Rice | 7.3 |
by way of scorer | |
Bayern have additionally gained all however one in every of their video games in all competitions this season heading into their journey to the Emirates, whereas Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the 2025/2026 season to Vincent Kompany’s aspect.
Second-half targets from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal victory within the heavyweight showdown. Madueke, again after two months out with a knee damage, scored his first aim for the Gunners earlier than fellow substitute Martinelli pounced on a mistake by Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to increase Arsenal’s good document within the competitors to 5 wins in 5 video games.
Julian Timber had beforehand led Arsenal, however with former Tottenham striker Harry Kane unable so as to add to his six targets on the Emirates, it fell to Bayern’s 17-year-old star Lennart Karl to concede his first aim of the competitors.
The spectacular recreation was arguably the least necessary of the week’s three video games, sandwiched between Premier League leaders Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Spurs and Sunday’s journey to second-placed Chelsea.
However, it’s nonetheless one thing to take pleasure in and this end result will in all probability give Arsenal the standing of Europe’s greatest group in the mean time.
Timber, Madueke and Martinelli have been the heroes on paper, but it surely was an ideal midfield efficiency from membership document signing Declan Rice, who put in one in every of his greatest performances ever within the crimson and white, taking absolute management of the sport in the course of the park.
Ally McCoist praises Declan Rice as ‘out of this world’ after Arsenal win
Commentator Ally McCoist, who lined the match for TNT Sports activities, waxed lyrical concerning the England worldwide repeatedly, naming him a “first-class” man of the match in opposition to Bayern.
Rice was unfortunate to get on the scoresheet within the sixtieth minute when the previous West Ham captain stormed down the left flank, however veteran keeper Manuel Neuer denied him any reward for his insolence.
McCoist described Rice’s run as “wonderful” and “out of this world”, which summed up the possessed efficiency by one in every of Arsenal’s leaders.
A significant assertion from Arsenal was launched tonight. Not solely did Arsenal present that they will win in opposition to Europe’s hardest opponents, additionally they despatched a really clear message that they haven’t any intention of giving up.
Subsequent up is a fierce London derby in opposition to Chelsea this weekend. Arteta’s aspect will lead the desk with a nine-point lead on this match, probably cementing their standing as overwhelming title contenders.
Rice shall be an enormous a part of that, however tonight reveals how necessary he’s to Arteta’s quest for a Premier League trophy after a 22-year wait.

