Nobody can doubt the character is there with Arsenal. Declan Rice's late equalizer in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich offers hope the quality might be too. Allianz Arena has habitually been a place where the Gunners' European dreams go to die, with Arsenal beaten at the quarterfinal stage on their last visit in April 2024.
But this Arsenal side is different. Bayern were denied victory in an absorbing encounter high on entertainment and risk. Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with a superb 25th-minute opener, before Harry Kane's stunning pass released Alphonso Davies to equalize. Kane's 61st-minute penalty, awarded after Jurriën Timber handled his shot, set Bayern on course for victory, but Arsenal responded.
Rice played an excellent one-two with substitute Viktor Gyökeres before drilling a low shot past Manuel Neuer to secure a point. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the character, personality and quality his side showed. "To understand what the game was requiring, because it changed," he said. "We were very aware of that."
This was a fascinating tactical contest. Arsenal pressed high, with Ezri Konsa following Kane as he dropped deep. Kane even took a goal kick that started a move ending with Serge Gnabry shooting from 14 yards out. Davies was a constant menace whenever Bayern beat Arsenal's press. Rice has done this sort of thing before on the big stage, and the goal helps counter the argument that a lack of quality in the final third could cost Arsenal a chance at the biggest prize of all.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing