Steven Gerrard lauds Arsenal after dramatic Bayern Munich comeback

Declan Rice's low drive in the 82nd minute secured a 2‑2 draw for Arsenal against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, prompting former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to hail the England midfielder as world‑class. The late equaliser capped an entertaining encounter that saw both sides trade goals.

Eberechi Eze, who came on for the injured Bukayo Saka in the 10th minute, fired Arsenal ahead midway through the first half with a left‑footed strike beyond Manuel Neuer. The goal was briefly ruled out by VAR for offside before being reinstated, delighting the travelling supporters.

Bayern's response

Alphonso Davies levelled for Bayern after a brilliant pass from Harry Kane, slotting the ball past David Raya. Six minutes later Kane converted a 61st‑minute penalty, awarded after Jurrien Timber's handball, to put the hosts 2‑1 ahead.

Rice's decisive strike

Eight minutes from time, Rice latched onto Viktor Gyokeres’ pass and smashed the ball into the bottom‑left corner, delivering Arsenal's second equaliser. The goal made him the third England player to score that night. Gerrard later said, “Forget about the criticism – Declan Rice is a world‑class midfielder and that was a top, top goal.”

Gerrard on Bayern's resilience

Gerrard praised the character and mentality Arsenal showed, but also acknowledged Bayern’s fight despite missing six or seven starters and a manager who had been ill that week. He called the Bayern side a group of players who played like men, adding that they deserved credit for standing up and producing wonderful football.

Arsenal brace for Saka's possible two‑month absence after Bayern clash

The draw kept Arsenal’s unbeaten start to this season’s Champions League intact after back‑to‑back victories over Napoli and Lille. Gerrard noted the Gunners are Premier League champions and “might have been rubbing their hands together” before Bayern’s comeback forced a response.

Team changes and injuries

Arsenal recalled Noni Madueke in place of Eze after his late winner at Nottingham Forest, while Jurrien Timber replaced Ben White. Bayern’s attacking threat was reduced with Michael Olise suspended, Jamal Musiala injured and Luis Díaz on the bench, though manager Vincent Kompany was fit to take charge after a viral infection.

Around 3,800 Arsenal supporters travelled to Munich, witnessing a pulsating encounter that saw VAR overturn Eze’s early goal and both goalkeepers make crucial saves – Neuer denying Bruno Guimarães and Raya denying Serge Gnabry.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or hopes

Harry Kane, a contender for the Ballon d’Or, has scored 156 goals in 158 appearances for Bayern Munich. After converting the penalty, Rice praised Kane, saying his numbers speak for themselves and that playing with or against him is “ridiculous”.

The 2‑2 stalemate means Arsenal maintain their unbeaten record but see their run of 14 successive Champions League group‑stage victories come to an end, leaving them to regroup ahead of the next round.