Arsenal 3 Bayern Munich 1
Arsenal are the favourites for the Champions League this year. This was a real statement performance from Arsenal against what many would have had as the most in-form team in Europe, whilst the first half was relatively even, Arsenal were absolutely magnificent in the second half and were well worth the win in end against a Bayern side that’s won every game this season bar 1. When you look at the other teams favourites in the competition like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG who have problems of themselves, for me Arsenal are the favourites for the Champions League this year.
Declan Rice is at the top table of midfielders in world football at the minute. Whilst the first half was pretty even between the teams the real difference in the second half was Declan Rice, whether it was driving forward with ball, switching the play or breaking the play up Rice was absolutely everywhere in that second half and drove Arsenal towards Bayern’s goal in that second half. As we know already Rice’s corners are by far the best in Europe and we saw that again in the second half where he delivered dime after dime to the back post where Merino should have scored, Rice was easily the best player on the pitch tonight.
Bayern have an absolute gem in Lennart Karl. With Musiala out at the beginning of the season it was important that Vincent Kompany found a solution whilst he’s injured and Bayern have a gem in Lennart Karl, whilst his goal needed a top finish it was his overall play that impressed me the most especially in the first half, his close control, first touch and link-up play were brilliant with anything good Bayern were doing in the match coming from him. I might be late to the Karl party but I’m looking forward to watching him again.
Arsenal’s strength in depth pays dividends yet again. It’s been a point we’ve been talking about throughout the season so far but yet again Arsenal’s squad bears its fruits in a big game. The second and the third goal coming from substitutes in Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke who both took their goals brilliantly, Riccardo Calafiori also setting up the third goal coming off the bench shows just how strong the whole of Arsenal’s squad is, it’s reminiscent of Man City from a few years ago where they could put out two very strong teams out.
Bayern may need to replace Manuel Neuer if they want to win the Champions League, it may seem harsh to a legend of the game but two of Arsenal’s goals tonight are on him, especially the second goal where he should just stay on the line, Neuer maybe 10 years ago could have reached it in time but Martinelli’s pace was too much to handle. I think the first goal is on him as well not being strong enough from the corner against Timber who nodded it past him. Bayern might have to replace their club legend if they want to win the Champions League again.