Gerrard hails Rice as world‑class after Arsenal salvage draw in Munich

Arsenal secured a valuable point after drawing 2‑2 with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. Declan Rice’s late equaliser rescued the Gunners, who had fallen behind twice, and the result was hailed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Match drama at the Allianz Arena

The Gunners opened the scoring when Eberechi Eze finished emphatically, the goal only confirmed after a VAR check for off‑side. The early lead gave Arsenal momentum in the German venue.

Bayern Munich responded through Alphonso Davies, restoring parity. Harry Kane then converted a penalty to put the Germans ahead with 29 minutes remaining. Declan Rice answered with a wonderful run and finish, earning Arsenal a share of the points in their latest league‑phase encounter.

Gerrard and Rice praise the performance

Steven Gerrard, appearing as a pundit, described Rice as a ‘world‑class midfielder’ and lauded the Gunners for showing real character and mentality on the night. He added that the equaliser was a ‘top, top goal’.

Gerrard noted that Bayern were missing six or seven starters and that their manager had been ill, yet he praised their performance, saying they ‘played like men’. He suggested Arsenal would have fancied the game and might have been rubbing their hands together in the dressing room.

After the match, Declan Rice supported England teammate Harry Kane in a post‑match interview ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony later in the year, calling him the clear winner and saying ‘his numbers speak for themselves’. Rice added that Kane is ‘ridiculous, such a good player’.

Rice also reflected on the draw, noting the manager’s insistence on not sitting down and that giving a good account against one of Europe’s best teams was ‘really good’. He said the Gunners came into a tough environment, fell 2‑1 behind and then found a solution, showing real character and mentality.