Bayern 2 – 2 Arsenal

Declan Rice scored a superb 82nd minute equalizer as Arsenal fought back to draw 2-2 with Bayern Munich in a thrilling Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal were heading for a first defeat in 14 league or group stage matches before a brilliant pass involving Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres allowed Rice to race into the box and curl a clinical finish past Manuel Neuer from an acute angle.

Earlier, Eberechi Eze had scored the opener in similar style from Martin Odegaard’s pass after replacing Bukayo Saka, who was forced off with an injury, Mikel Arteta later saying it “doesn’t look good at all”, but Harry Kane inspired Bayern’s comeback.

The former Spurs striker, who is one of the main contenders to win the Ballon d’Or at Monday’s ceremony, leveled Alphonso Davies with a superb through ball before converting the second goal from the spot after Jurrien Timber had reached.

Kane’s goal was his 16th in 22 appearances against Arsenal and made him only the second player behind Cristiano Ronaldo to score in 10 consecutive Champions League games.

Bayern were missing Michael Olise through suspension and Joshua Kimmich due to a death in his family, but still created plenty of chances, with David Raya brilliantly saving the best of them when he deflected a close-range header from Davies.

But Arsenal were also a threat despite Saka’s withdrawal. Bayern needed some excellent goalkeeping from Manuel Neuer to prevent a Bruno Guimaraes header from crossing the line after half-time.

Kane’s penalty, after his shot had hit Timber’s arm, arrived not long after, but it was his England team-mate Rice who ended up having the last word on a dramatic night.

Analysis: Arsenal’s display defies style critics

Arsenal faced criticism for their style of play after their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Their performance against Bayern Munich, on one of the toughest grounds in Europe, was a fitting response.

Many expected Mikel Arteta’s side to sit back and try to frustrate Bayern, who were unbeaten in 39 home league or group stage matches. Instead, they went blow for blow with them.

They gave the home side more chances than Mikel Arteta could have liked. But they created plenty too, showing attacking intent from the early stages of the game until the end, when their tenacity was rewarded with Rice’s equaliser.

Arsenal finished the game having more shots and more possession than Bayern in their own back yard. They could have had a win to show for their efforts too, if not for some heroics from Neuer.

Arsenal ‘concerned’ by Saka’s injury

Saka’s injury, confirmed as a quad issue as he attempted to play a pass, was a blemish on Arsenal’s night. Arteta admitted that the club’s medical staff are worried about it in his post-match interview and was equally pessimistic in his press conference.

“They are a bit worried,” said the Arsenal manager TNT Sports. “A player having to go off in really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see.”

“These things happen unfortunately,” he added at his press conference. “It doesn’t look good at all, but we have to wait and see.”

The Gunners are already without Christos Tzolis through injury, meaning the only wide option other than Eze on the bench against Bayern Munich was 16-year-old Max Dowman.

Saturday’s meeting with Everton begins a busy five-match run before the November international break, including a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Premier League on November 1. It remains to be seen if Saka will be available to play.

Arteta enjoys the ‘special’ performance

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta THE TNT Sports: “What a game. It’s one of the highest levels we’ve played, the level of the opposition, what the game demanded, and our level as well.

“Two teams that wanted to constantly press each other. Two teams that wanted to attack and play. I think it was a fascinating game.

“I think we started the game extremely well. We were so dominant. We did everything to deserve the first goal. We didn’t score it, then we lost Bukayo, who was having a great game.

“We had to adapt to it. We gave away a chance after our corner that could have cost us a goal, then they scored a goal. And then in the second half, the game was very even. They scored the second goal and then you have to react, and we certainly did, with the team spirit and the quality of the goal as well.

“It’s outstanding what we’ve done. I’ve seen all the games they’ve played here in the last three years and they hit every team with a lot of goals. So I really appreciate it and I’m really aware that what the boys did tonight is special.”

Kane: I always take penalties against Arsenal

Bayern Munich attacker Harry Kane THE TNT Sports: “A bit of disappointment, but I think the draw was a fair result.

“We looked like the team that were going to go on and win it. Then they put us under pressure and got the goal.

“We can’t be too disappointed. We take the point and move on.”

For his penalty: “I’d never say no doubt! A lot of practice and hard work goes into penalties. It was nice to get on the scoresheet. I always seem to score penalties against Arsenal!”

Highlights in Munich

• 10: THE INJURY! Saka must be replaced by Eze as he appears to have injured his left thigh
• 20: SAVE IT! Raya denies Serge Gnabry as Arsenal open for the first time
• 25: GOAL! Eze’s goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR check ruled it in from Odegaard’s pass.
• 35: GOAL! Kane’s superb ball is headed in by Davies for Bayern to equalise
• 48: SAVE IT! Neuer somehow prevents Guimaraes’ header from a corner to cross the line
• 50: ANOTHER SAVING! Raya dives to his right to claw Davies’ header off the line
• 61: GOAL! Kane coolly scores from the spot after Timber’s handball
• 82: GOAL! Rice raises Arsenal level after tricky build-up play from Arsenal
• 89: CHANCE! Timber forces a late save from Neuer with a powerful shot from outside the box

Arsenal’s next matches…