Arsenal settled for a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich during their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
A lively first half in north London witnessed Bayern taking a surprise lead into the break, with Serge Gnabry’s strike and Harry Kane’s penalty canceling out Bukayo Saka’s excellent opener.
Leandro Trossard emerged as Arsenal’s savior from the bench in the second half, delivering a vital equalizer as the thrilling encounter concluded all square.
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The game began with Arsenal players encountering a deafening roar as they entered the Emirates. Within 12 minutes, the decibels rose as Saka fired the hosts ahead, finding the net after a pass from Ben White, bending a precise shot into Manuel Neuer’s far corner.
Arsenal nearly capitalized on sloppy Bayern defending shortly after, but White’s effort was directed straight at Neuer.
However, a glaring opportunity missed by Arsenal led to Bayern drawing level just before the 20-minute mark, with Gnabry scoring against his former team. Gabriel’s mistake allowed Bayern to swiftly penetrate Arsenal’s defense, with Gnabry smartly converting Leon Goretzka’s pass.
Despite Arsenal’s bright start, Bayern completed an impressive first-half turnaround, with Kane extending the lead after a penalty following William Saliba’s challenge.
In the second half, both Gnabry and Kane missed chances for Bayern, while Arsenal struggled to break through Bayern’s defense. Nonetheless, Arsenal’s persistence paid off with 14 minutes left, as Gabriel Jesus set up Trossard to level the score.
Substitute Kingsley Coman almost secured a late winner for Bayern, but his effort hit the post.
Arsenal felt aggrieved as they believed they should have been awarded a late penalty when Saka went down in the area after a collision with Neuer. However, referee Glenn Nyberg waved away appeals, despite the home supporters’ protests.
Ultimately, Arsenal could only manage a draw despite home advantage, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena next week.