In the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich lost to Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium, their first loss of the year. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli were brought in by the Gunners after a closely contested first half in which both teams scored, and they were the difference.
Talisman Harry Kane was difficult for Bayern to get into the match. Out of all the players that played 90 minutes, the England international striker had the fewest touches. Surprisingly, given that he has scored 15 goals in 21 games against the hosts, Kane only managed two touches in the Arsenal area and failed to even attempt a shot.
For the first time in his career, Kane played the entire ninety minutes against Arsenal yesterday without scoring a single shot. The 32-year-old is already preparing a retaliation plan. The former Tottenham Hotspur star is excited to play the Gunners in the knockout stage once more. “I’m sure we’ll see them again in the latter stages of the competition, so we look forward to that,” Kane stated (via TNT Sports).
Since Kane last faced Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has improved their defensive fortitude, and his team has kept a clean sheet throughout this season’s Champions League campaign. Gabriel Magalhaes’s absence from the encounter and future games owing to a groin issue is one positive development for Bayern.
However, the 32-year-old acknowledges their potential, and more games at the top level of European football will help them grow. “They play similarly to how they did back then; defensively, their structure is better,” Kane remarked. “They’ve become more solid; they have more experience.”
“They have improved and developed as a result of their Champions League experience. They are in their current situation because of this. Tomorrow will be a terrific test for us.
He went on to discuss what Bayern needs to overcome their opponents, saying, “It’ll be a tough game for us.” Arsenal’s success in the Premier League and Champions League has a purpose. They are really sturdy.