Arsenal delivered a performance of breathtaking quality on Wednesday night, comprehensively beating German giants Bayern Munich 3-1 in a match that may well have decided the destiny of this season's Champions League.
A Tactical Masterclass at the Emirates
The victory at a raucous Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 26 November 2025 was more than just three points. It was a statement. Mikel Arteta's supremely complete side cemented their status as tournament favourites by outplaying a team many consider the second-best in Europe.
The contest perfectly illustrated a key theme of the modern game. Arsenal, the archetypal technocratic Premier League side, showcased their set-piece mastery, while Bayern Munich persisted with their purist, open positional game. The difference was that the Gunners proved they could excel at both.
How the Goals Unfolded
The deadlock was broken in a manner that has become inevitable for this Arsenal team. Jurrien Timber rose to score from an almost indefensible corner, highlighting a key area of strength. This goal meant the last five goals conceded by the German champions have all come from set-pieces.
Bayern, however, demonstrated why they remain a European force. They responded by doing what few teams manage against Arsenal's resilient defence—opening them up with precision. Joshua Kimmich delivered a sublime cross-field pass to Michael Olise, who provided a fine delivery for 17-year-old revelation Lennart Karl to finish, showcasing the fine margins at this elite level.
Arsenal's Dominance Seals the Victory
The Gunners' quality, however, should not be reduced to their set-piece prowess. They matched and then surpassed Bayern in open play. The two clinching goals came from forcing errors from a rattled Vincent Kompany side.
Noni Madueke capitalised on a sloppy pass from Dayot Upamecano, which went straight to Declan Rice. Gabriel Martinelli then sealed the victory after Manuel Neuer was caught wandering from his goal. By this stage, Arsenal were utterly dominant and could have scored five or six, echoing their recent north London derby triumph over Tottenham.
The performance was so complete that it prompted a rethink: perhaps Spurs weren't that poor, but rather, Arsenal are just this good. They possess more weapons than even a fancied side like Bayern Munich.
What This Means for the Future
This result sends an ominous warning to rivals, including Chelsea whom they face next. Arsenal are flying, capable of attacking from all angles. The key contrast is not that English sides have set-pieces and continental sides have purist play; it's that the top English sides, like Arsenal, now have both.
While the club knows from recent experience not to read too much into one half of a season, the nature of this victory feels different. They are the only side left with a 100% record in the Champions League, and their domestic form is equally imperious.
The return of Martin Odegaard provided further cause for celebration, as the home fans gleefully reminded Harry Kane of the scoreline. Under Arteta's ultra-focused leadership, Arsenal look a cut above everyone else. They have set themselves up for a monumental season; now, the task is to ensure it truly matters.
