Prime of the Premier League and the Champions League, Arsenal can’t do a lot improper.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect brushed apart Bayern Munich with aplomb to difficulty their newest warning throughout Europe: they’ll take some stopping.
Kane risk snuffed out
The daunting document of Harry Kane vs Arsenal had been doing the rounds this week, because it typically does when this event arrives.
The 32-year-old’s tally in opposition to the Gunners, earlier than Wednesday night time, learn 15 objectives in 21 matches. The truth is, his six objectives in 10 video games on the Emirates is greater than every other opposition participant on the floor.
When it got here to Wednesday night time, although, the England man was nameless.
Harry Kane might be hungry for revenge if Bayern Munich face Arsenal once more this season
His desperation to get a mere contact on the ball noticed Kane at instances deep in his personal half — even battling with Bukayo Saka on the nook flag.
In the long run, he registered no pictures in opposition to a Gunners backline lacking Gabriel, with left again Myles Lewis-Skelly given a uncommon begin.
It does present Arsenal’s depth, but in addition how properly ready they had been for a person who has prompted them so many issues prior to now.
Kane was in kind, too, having struck 24 objectives in 18 video games throughout all competitions this season. But, he was typically trying to find the ball and when he did get it, was too removed from Arsenal’s space.
He’ll be disillusioned by this, owing to his personal requirements — and the deep rivalry from his days at Tottenham; every time he bought on the ball, the Gunners trustworthy roundly booed him as anticipated.
Afterwards, Kane cryptically mentioned: ‘I am certain we’ll see them (Arsenal) once more within the later phases of the Champions League.’
If these two groups do meet once more this season, Kane might be hungry for revenge — and a a lot better efficiency.
Kane was unable to make an affect on the sport as Arsenal handled him bodily
Arsenal cease the rot vs Bayern
The historical past between these two sides make Arsenal’s 4-1 victory much more pertinent.
It was a mirrored image each of how far the Gunners have come since assembly the German giants within the 2024 Champions League quarter-finals, and the defensive depth Arteta has as of late.
Throughout these two legs, Arteta managed a 2-2 draw at dwelling however had been outdone 1-0 on the Allianz Enviornment within the second leg. That was painful for the Spaniard as they had been on prime within the first leg and may have scored extra.
General, Bayern had received 4 of their final 5 encounters with Arsenal, scoring 5 objectives on three separate events to embarrass the north London membership. These had been three consecutive 5-1 defeats within the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons underneath Arsene Wenger.
Cristhian Mosquera got here in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes and didn’t miss a beat
From this displaying, this staff are a totally completely different beast. Not solely have they got confidence coursing by means of their veins, however squad depth which ends up in rotation or harm not weakening the beginning XI.
Take Cristhian Mosquera, for instance, deputising for the injured Gabriel. He slotted in seamlessly and wouldn’t look misplaced in lots of prime sides.
Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, each getting back from accidents, got here on within the second half stuffed with vim and keenness to indicate their price within the hope of beginning quickly.
Subsequently, each gamers bought on the scoresheet. Arteta mentioned: ‘I am very happy as properly with a number of the gamers which were given the chance immediately with all of the accidents that we have now. Those that began, those that got here to complete the sport, the affect was immense. That is what we want. All people linked at that stage.’
Gabriel Martinelli got here off the bench to attain in an emphatic Arsenal victory on Wednesday
Teen sensation at dwelling on huge stage
On a considerably brighter notice for the guests, Lennart Karl confirmed simply why Vincent Kompany and Co are enthusiastic about this 17-year-old.
The attacking midfielder had scored twice in 9 Bundesliga outings this season, and as soon as in two earlier Champions League appearances.
Forward of the match, Kane mentioned: ‘I feel he’s prepared for a recreation like this, he’s confirmed that point and time once more.
‘You’ll be able to see his confidence, how properly he performs underneath strain – he’s quick, agile, and tough to mark. He’s a great participant and we’re very comfortable to see what he can do.’
Bayern’s 17-year-old starlet Lennart Karl impressed with the one aim for Bayern
That expertise was on present on Wednesday night time. He prompted the opposition backline issues together with his motion and showcased tight dribbling potential.
Karl was assured on the ball, seeking to make in-roads within the closing third, and capped off his efficiency with a well-taken aim.
Serge Gnabry’s cross rapidly got here into the realm and Karl completed it with aplomb, stroking the ball dwelling with a first-time volleyed end.
The teen is one to look at this season for certain.
