Top of the Premier League and the Champions League, Arsenal cannot do much wrong.
Mikel Arteta’s side brushed aside Bayern Munich with aplomb to issue their latest warning across Europe: they will take some stopping.
Kane threat snuffed out
The daunting record of Harry Kane vs Arsenal had been doing the rounds this week, as it often does when this occasion arrives.
The 32-year-old’s tally against the Gunners, before Wednesday night, read 15 goals in 21 matches. In fact, his six goals in 10 games at the Emirates is more than any other opposition player at the ground.
When it came to Wednesday night, though, the England man was anonymous.
His desperation to get a mere touch on the ball saw Kane at times deep in his own half — even battling with Bukayo Saka at the corner flag.
In the end, he registered no shots against a Gunners backline missing Gabriel, with left back Myles Lewis-Skelly given a rare start.
It does show Arsenal’s depth, but also how well prepared they were for a man who has caused them so many problems in the past.
Kane was in form, too, having struck 24 goals in 18 games across all competitions this season. Yet, he was often searching for the ball and when he did get it, was too far from Arsenal’s area.
He’ll be disappointed by this, owing to his own standards — and the deep rivalry from his days at Tottenham; each time he got on the ball, the Gunners faithful roundly booed him as expected.
Afterwards, Kane cryptically said: ‘I’m sure we’ll see them (Arsenal) again in the later stages of the Champions League.’
If these two teams do meet again this season, Kane will be hungry for revenge — and a much better performance.
Arsenal stop the rot vs Bayern
The history between these two sides make Arsenal’s 4-1 victory even more pertinent.
It was a reflection both of how far the Gunners have come since meeting the German giants in the 2024 Champions League quarter-finals, and the defensive depth Arteta has these days.
During those two legs, Arteta managed a 2-2 draw at home but were outdone 1-0 at the Allianz Arena in the second leg. That was painful for the Spaniard as they were on top in the first leg and should have scored more.
Overall, Bayern had won four of their last five encounters with Arsenal, scoring five goals on three separate occasions to embarrass the north London club. Those were three consecutive 5-1 defeats in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons under Arsene Wenger.
From this showing, this team are a completely different beast. Not only do they have confidence coursing through their veins, but squad depth which results in rotation or injury not weakening the starting XI.
Take Cristhian Mosquera, for example, deputising for the injured Gabriel. He slotted in seamlessly and would not look out of place in many top sides.
Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, both returning from injuries, came on in the second half full of vim and keenness to show their worth in the hope of starting soon.
Subsequently, both players got on the scoresheet. Arteta said: ‘I’m very pleased as well with some of the players that have been given the opportunity today with all the injuries that we have. The ones that started, the ones that came to finish the game, the impact was immense. That’s what we need. Everybody connected at that level.’
Teen sensation at home on big stage
On a somewhat brighter note for the visitors, Lennart Karl showed just why Vincent Kompany and Co are excited about this 17-year-old.
The attacking midfielder had scored twice in nine Bundesliga outings this season, and once in two previous Champions League appearances.
Ahead of the match, Kane said: ‘I think he’s ready for a game like this, he’s proven that time and time again.
‘You can see his confidence, how well he performs under pressure – he’s fast, agile, and difficult to mark. He’s a good player and we’re very happy to see what he can do.’
That talent was on show on Wednesday night. He caused the opposition backline problems with his movement and showcased tight dribbling ability.
Karl was confident on the ball, looking to make in-roads in the final third, and capped off his performance with a well-taken goal.
Serge Gnabry’s cross quickly came into the area and Karl finished it with aplomb, stroking the ball home with a first-time volleyed finish.
The youngster is one to watch this season for sure.
