ARSENAL STATEMENT: BAYERN MUNICH'S PERFECT SEASON SHATTERED
Arsenal hand Bayern Munich their first defeat of the season in a commanding 3-1 UCL win. Read the match report and analysis.
Bayern Munich's winning streak ended Wednesday as Arsenal secured a solid 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, pushing Bayern to third place in their Champions League group.
Kompany made expected changes to the lineup that beat Freiburg 6-2. Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry were back after recovering from minor injuries, and Lennart Karl stayed in the attack, ahead of Nicolas Jackson.
Bayern began strongly, keeping the ball and pushing Arsenal back. Even so, they didn't create many chances. Arsenal defended well, not allowing any openings. Bayern kept possession but didn't threaten much.
Arsenal struck first after absorbing Bayern’s early pressure. In the 22nd minute, Jurrien Timber headed in Bukayo Saka's cross from a corner.
Arsenal improved after the goal, winning the ball higher up the pitch. Eberechi Eze nearly made it 2-0 in the 31st minute, but his shot went just wide after a good play with Mikel Merino.
Bayern responded when Joshua Kimmich sent a long ball to Serge Gnabry on the right. Gnabry passed to Lennart Karl, who scored to tie the game. The first half ended with chances for both teams, but Arsenal seemed more likely to score next.
Arsenal upped their game and controlled the second half. Bayern seemed tired when pressing Arsenal. The home side had more opportunities, but Bayern tried to hold on.
Arsenal’s persistence paid off in the 69th minute. Eze and Ricardo Calafiori linked up on the left, and Calafiori crossed for Noni Madueke, who scored with his left foot.
Manuel Neuer made saves to prevent Arsenal from extending their lead, but couldn't stop Madueke's goal. Neuer then made a mistake that sealed the game. In the 77th minute, Eze found Gabriel Martinelli on the left. Neuer rushed out to clear the ball, but Martinelli beat him to it and scored into the empty net.
Arsenal controlled the rest of the game, keeping their perfect Champions League record. Bayern struggled, managing only eight shots, with two on target, while Arsenal had 13 shots, eight on target, and created seven good chances compared to Bayern's one.
This loss ends Bayern's winning run, but the game against Arsenal should give them something to learn from. They can still qualify for the round of 16 by winning their next three Champions League games.
BAYERN MUNICH FACE MAJOR DECISION ON LEON GORETZKA AS EUROPEAN GIANTS CIRCLE NOW
Leon Goretzka’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as Tottenham and Napoli show interest. Discover why Vincent Kompany wants him to stay.
The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and as usual, Bayern Munich's name is popping up in transfer rumours all over the place. But the top guys at the club keep saying they won't be bringing anyone in this January.
As for players leaving, there's talk about guys whose contracts are almost up. Leon Goretzka is one of them, and he's been linked to a bunch of clubs lately.
Apparently, Bayern hasn't offered Goretzka a new deal yet. They're looking at younger midfielders to possibly replace him in the summer. Tottenham, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in snagging Goretzka this winter.
Sky Sports Germany says that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Goretzka. The coach wants him to stay and appreciates what he brings to the field.
On the other hand, The Athletic is saying that the rumours about Goretzka going to Tottenham are off base. Apparently, Tottenham isn't trying to get him. Goretzka is also said to be locked in on finishing out the season strong with Bayern.
Goretzka's still got a job to do at Bayern.
Aleksandar Pavlovic has kind of jumped ahead of Goretzka in the lineup. The young midfielder played great in the first half of the season.
Goretzka's been coming off the bench lately. Even though he's not a starter right now, Goretzka can still help the team in the second half of the season. His experience will be really important in those big Champions League games. Plus, he can play different positions if needed. He can fill in on defence or be an attacking midfielder. A guy like that could be really helpful for Bayern as they try to win it all.
Right now, it looks like Kompany is happy with his team. Other than Sacha Boey, Bayern isn't expected to let go of any senior players this winter. Since Bayern is competing in three different competitions, Kompany will need everyone to play their best.
CONFIRMED: FABRIZIO ROMANO VALIDATES BAYERN MUNICH INTEREST IN €50M-RATED BRAZILIAN FORWARD RAYAN.
Bayern Munich eyes Vasco’s Rayan for a €50m summer move. Read how the 19-year-old fits into the 2026 attack alongside Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich had a decent summer with player transfers, though the timing could've been better. The club isn't planning on getting anyone new in January, but they're lining up deals for the summer.
Besides big-name signings, Bayern's also keeping an eye on young talent. They seem pretty interested in a top Brazilian prospect.
According to UOL in Brazil, Bayern is talking more with Vasco's forward, Rayan, and his people. The 19-year-old is up for joining Bayern, and Vasco is waiting for an offer. Word is, Vasco wants close to €50 million for himself.
Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer guy, also said Bayern is keen on Rayan. He knows there's been contact, but Rayan's just one of several players Bayern's looking at to beef up their attack.
Since Vasco might want a lot for Rayan, Bayern could be thinking about putting him straight into the first team. The kid can play on the right or behind the main striker. He's had a great season with Vasco, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Rayan's stats make him sound like a scoring machine, but he might need a bit to get used to the Bundesliga. Since Bayern has enough players in attack, Rayan could get time to adjust.
Bayern will need to get a forward next summer.
They let go of three experienced forwards over the summer and signed Luis Diaz for keeps, and Nicolas Jackson is on loan from Chelsea. Lennart Karl has really stepped up and is now a regular in the squad this season.
Max Eberl recently hinted that they probably won't buy Jackson permanently next summer. So, Bayern will need someone who can fill in for Harry Kane and play on the wings if needed.
Someone like Rayan might not be ready to back up Kane just yet. If Bayern gets the Brazilian forward, they'd still need another number nine to add some depth to the attack. Bayern might not spend a ton on forwards this summer, but there will definitely be some fresh faces in that part of the team.