Arsenal may have been strong favourites for their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening, but they were only able to take a draw away from a high-octane clash in north London.
The Gunners dominated for large periods but were often left exposed on the counter-attack as the likes of Leroy Sane and old enemy Harry Kane caused them problems.
In the end, the 2-2 draw may have been a good result for the Gunners given they trailed at half-time, with goals from Serge Gnabry and former Tottenham striker Kane shocking the home fans after Bukayo Saka’s opener.
Leandro Trossard proved a difference-maker off the bench and popped up with a crucial goal, but not all of Mikel Arteta’s men were at their best against the Bundesliga giants.
Here are Arsenal’s best and worst players during their draw with Bayern.
Bukayo Saka – 8/10
Saka certainly caught the eye when he put Arsenal ahead after just 12 minutes, but his impressive strike was only one contribution in a dazzling performance. It was an excellent and trademark left-footed finish from the youngster, who made Alphonso Davies’ life incredibly difficult throughout.
Arsenal’s starboy was always willing to run at the speedy Bayern left-back and continually drew fouls in the opposition half as the hosts looked to pile on the pressure. It was an electric outing from the forward and Bayern will need a special plan to deny him freedom next week – especially with Davies missing the second leg due to suspension.
Honourable mention
Leandro Trossard – 8/10
Just as Arsenal looked to be getting frustrated by some stubborn Bayern defending, Arteta brought Gabriel Jesus and Trossard on to the pitch. Both changed the complexion of the game, with the former setting up the latter for the all-important leveller.
Both deserve honourable mentions but it was Trossard who looked the most lively after his introduction, while also showing his ruthless streak once again inside the penalty area.
After all, Arsenal wouldn’t be in the final eight without his vital goal against Porto in the last 16.
David Raya – 5/10
It wasn’t a terrible display from David Raya, let’s make that clear. However, given Bayern seldom tested him, his questionable decision making in the vital moments arguably proved costly for the hosts.
In the build-up to Bayern’s equaliser – a goal that dramatically changed the course of the game – Raya needlessly rushed out of his goal as Gabriel swept up an aimless ball over the top. As a result, the centre-back couldn’t direct a pass back to his goalkeeper, forcing him to surrender possession with a loose pass. Both will share the blame, but Raya’s decision forced Gabriel’s hand.
Raya also made Kane’s life pretty simple from the penalty spot in the first half, committing far too early as the Bayern forward went to strike his spot kick. It may not have mattered given the England captain’s incredible penalty record, but it was another slight misjudgement from the Arsenal stopper.
Dishonourable mention
Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
The Arsenal winger wasn’t guilty of making too many errors at the Emirates, he was simply guilty of being far too quiet. He was rarely involved in the final third and was unable to get the better of Joshua Kimmich at right-back, with Arsenal’s best moments coming down Saka’s side.
Perhaps most telling, Arsenal looked instantly better when he was withdrawn, with Trossard coming on in his place.
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