Arsenal player ratings vs Bayern Munich: Two 9/10s and key trio step up against elite opposition

Arsenal were knocked off course early in the match when Bukayo Saka limped off inside the opening ten minutes, but they recovered to take the lead through his replacement Eberechi Eze.

Bayern grew into the match and Harry Kane almost inevitably had an impact. His assist for Alphonso Davies’ equaliser was world-class and Kane then put Bayern in front from the penalty spot.

But Arsenal left the Allianz Arena with a point for their efforts, as Rice combined with Viktor Gyokeres and found the bottom corner with eight minutes remaining.

Here is how Matt Verri rated the Arsenal players...

David Raya 8

Brilliant distribution early on troubled Bayern and got Arsenal on the front foot. Sharp stop denied Gnabry but had little chance of stopping Davies’ equaliser or Kane’s penalty. Made a stunning save from an Upamecano header.

Jurrien Timber 6

Tough night but hard not to feel sorry for him. With Konsa pushing him, he was left isolated up against the electric Davies. Heavily involved in attack early on but that faded. Conceded penalty for blocking Kane’s shot with his arm.

Ezri Konsa 7

The first time Arsenal have missed Saliba. Konsa was tasked with following Kane across the pitch but for a 20-minute spell in the first half looked confused. Also booked for a late challenge on him but improved significantly after the break.

Gabriel 8

Had a couple of great moments on the cover in his own box. Nobody made more clearances or interceptions for Arsenal. Repeatedly got his body in the way to keep Bayern at bay and looked more comfortable than most around him.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Wasted a big chance when volleying over from a corner at the back post. Bayern did a good job of keeping him quiet from open play, with his usual threat minimised. Looked tired as the second half went on.

Declan Rice 9

Dragged Arsenal level as he seized control, bursting into the box and finishing brilliantly. Huge effort asked of him in such an open match, particularly with Guimaraes not relishing that challenge. Had important moments at both ends. Monster.

Star man | Declan Rice

Getty

Bruno Guimaraes 5

Strong in the duels and had some composed moments in possession, but he was badly exposed when Bayern broke. Did not have the legs to get across the pitch and Bayern ran riot. Real questions over his partnership with Rice.

Bukayo Saka N/A

Cruel blow. Started the match well and looked to have the better of Davies, but forced off inside ten minutes with what looked to be a quad injury. Now a nervous wait.

Martin Odegaard 8

Offered space by Bayern and he came to life. Sensational pass to play Eze in for the opener. His set-piece delivery was also superb - could have had three more assists. Looked right at home against elite opposition.

Noni Madueke 6

Started on the left but quickly moved to the right after Saka injury. Worked tirelessly but there was a sense Davies’ influence grew once Saka was off and he felt he could stay forward more. End product lacking.

Kai Havertz 4

Form has dropped off significantly. Game passed him by in the first half and he was booked for a fairly wild lunge. Offered nothing after the break either. Fortunate to stay on for as long as he did. Big concern.

Substitutes:

Eberechi Eze (Madueke 10’) 9

Emphatic answer to recent criticism as he fired a top finish past Neuer. Looked really bright throughout, winning a free-kick just outside the area after skipping past Laimer. Huge performance.

Response: Eberechi Eze

PA

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Guimaraes 69’) 7

Made a difference in midfield, adding some composure and stopping Bayern running at the Arsenal defence at will.

Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 69’) 7

Decisive contribution off the bench with a perfect lay-off for Rice’s equaliser. Caused the Bayern defenders problems and used his body really well.