UCL: Rice rescues Arsenal with late equaliser against Bayern
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineDeclan Rice scored a late equaliser as Arsenal fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the UEFA Champions League, extending their unbeaten run in this season’s competition.
The Gunners have now lost just once in their last 14 away matches in the Champions League, recording 10 wins and three draws during that period.
Arsenal suffered an early setback when Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury after just 10 minutes, but a tactical adjustment helped the visitors take the lead.
Eberechi Eze moved to the left wing after coming on, while Noni Madueke switched to the right.
The change paid off when Martin Odegaard delivered a perfectly weighted pass behind the Bayern defence for Eze, who finished with a half-volley into the bottom corner.
Eze’s goal was his second in consecutive Champions League matches. Arsenal also threatened from corners, with Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes both firing wide at the back post.
Bayern, however, continued to create opportunities and drew level before half-time. Harry Kane dropped deep to deliver an excellent pass for Alphonso Davies, who slotted the ball past David Raya.
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Both goalkeepers produced important saves early in the second half. Manuel Neuer tipped Guimaraes’ header onto the crossbar following another dangerous Arsenal corner, before Raya reacted brilliantly to keep out Dayot Upamecano’s header.
Eze nearly restored Arsenal’s lead after dribbling past his marker and directing a close-range effort towards goal, but Neuer was equal to the task.
Bayern then moved ahead after a penalty was awarded when Jurrien Timber raised his arm to stop Kane’s goal-bound effort.
Kane converted confidently, sending Raya the wrong way to score his 16th career goal against Arsenal.
Substitute Luis Diaz had an opportunity to seal the victory for Bayern, but Raya parried his curling effort.
Arsenal capitalised on the reprieve when Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench and used his strength to hold off his marker before laying the ball off for Rice.
The midfielder struck a superb finish into the bottom corner to secure a point for the visitors.
Bayern will be disappointed not to have claimed victory after dropping points against Viking last week, although the draw extended their unbeaten home run in Champions League group and league-phase matches to 40 games, comprising 38 wins and two draws.
Arsenal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in this season’s competition, with two wins and one draw from their opening three matches.
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