By ISAAN KHAN, REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
Declan Rice stole the limelight from Harry Kane as Arsenal hit back to snatch a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in a heavyweight Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena.
Gunners midfielder Rice lashed low beyond Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer eight minutes from time to extend his side’s unbeaten start to this season’s competition following back-to-back wins over Napoli and Lille.
Kane was on course to claim the winner after registering his 16th goal in 23 career outings against Arsenal by converting a 61st-minute penalty following Jurrien Timber’s handball.
The England captain earlier produced a sublime assist for Alphonso Davies to cancel out Eberechi Eze’s opener.
But in their biggest test since losing last season’s final to Paris St Germain on penalties, Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions responded well to deservedly return home with a share of the spoils.
Here ISAAN KHAN rates Arsenal’s top performers on the night.
David Raya – 7
Top save to deny Dayot Upamecano from point-blank range. Impressive with his fast distribution to kickstart counter-attacks.
Jurrien Timber – 4
Out of position for Alphonso Davies’ goal and caught out throughout the match. Conceded a penalty for a handball following Harry Kane’s strike.
Jurrien Timber endured a difficult night and was caught out of position for Bayern’s opener
Ezri Konsa – 5
Tasked with keeping tabs on Kane, yet the England man found ways to find space. A couple of strong, important blocks, but his positioning ought to be better.
Gabriel – 6
Strong at the back and up for the fight. Stepped up when required, not deterred by the task at hand.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5
A constant threat in the final third but, like his fellow full back Timber, he left the backline exposed too often.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Pulled the strings for Arteta’s side and played some classy passes, including a sublime assist for Eberechi Eze. The Norwegian is hard to stop when he’s in this mood.
Martin Odegaard delivered another impressive display as the Arsenal captain rediscovers his best form
Declan Rice – 8
Energetic in the middle of the park and covered lots of ground. His corner-kicks caused havoc in the Bayern area and struck a well-taken goal.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
All-action display. Put in a number of crucial challenges and was a threat going forwards. Had a header well-saved by Manuel Neuer.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Pulled up with what looked like a quad injury in the opening 10 minutes, signalling to the bench that he would not be able to continue. Massive blow for Arsenal, who will be sweating over the severity of Saka’s blow.
Kai Havertz – 4
A quiet night with the German unable to create openings in threatening areas.
It was a quiet night for Kai Havertz, who struggled to make an impact
Noni Madueke – 5
Direct and tried to make things happen. Thoese opportunities dwindled in the second-half as Bayern grabbed control of the tie.
Substitutions:
Eberechi Eze – 7
Deserves credit after an impressive, goalscoring cameo following recent scrutiny.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Manager: Mikel Arteta – 7
A good move to bring on Viktor Gyokeres, who came off the bench to assist Rice. Will be pleased to walk away with a point.
Boss Mikel Arteta will be pleased with his side’s performance and the point gained in Germany
BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Neuer 7; Laimer 6, Upamecano 7, Min-Jae 6 (Tah 6, 46mins), Stanisic 6; Pavlovic 6, Bischof 6; Gnabry 6 (Karl 68, 6), Saibari 6 (Diaz 6, 68), Davies 8; Kane 8.
Referee: Davide Massa – 6
