3 positives and 2 negatives from Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich

Not many teams come away from Bayern Munich holding their heads up high – certainly no Arsenal team from the 2010s anyway.

But the cast of 2026 did just that. They exorcised some of the ghosts from UCLs past on Wednesday night with an accomplished, assured effort featuring strong rearguard action and – Shock! Horror! – clinical offensive work to claim a point.

Sure, the result brings an end to their long winning run in the competition but dropping an odd point never did the Gunners’ rivals any harm in recent campaigns. Also, Munich is as ‘good’ a place as any to drop them.

3 positives and 2 negatives from Arsenal’s 2-2 UCL draw against Bayern Munich

Here are three positives and two negatives for Arsenal to take from an entertaining 2-2 draw at the home of Bayern Munich.

Positive #1: Arsenal are good at football

Some had begun to doubt the champions after their boring 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Going from THAT to matching the six-time UCL winners stride for stride is no easy task and yet they hardly missed a beat. The visitors gave as good as they got, established a foothold in the match and, before the half-hour mark, would even take a first-half lead.

It looked like they belonged at this level (which they obviously do) but fans so seldom get to see it in the Premier League. A mix of low blocks and strict tactical measures make most Arsenal matches an even exchange but, on this evidence, they are fully able to step it up when both the occasion and the circumstances (i.e. no low blocks) allow them to.

Back to ‘Dark Arts FC’ on Saturday.

Negative #1: Bukayo Saka injured

Arsenal are short of wide options so, naturally, two of their wingers have been struck down by injury since the transfer window shut.

Bukayo Saka will join Christos Tzolis in the treatment room after he pulled up with an injury less than ten minutes into the game. He signalled to the bench straight away and had to be promptly replaced by Eberechi Eze.

His absence is the last thing Mikel Arteta needs and it is very tough on Saka, especially in light of his recent medical history. Hopefully he will return before long and, in the meantime, perhaps this will give the hierarchy the scare they need to finally address this problem area of the squad.

If Kroupi Jr. signs because of this, then it was worth it.

Positive #2: Eberechi Eze hits back

Scoring the opener at Bayern Munich – it was the perfect response to his half-time withdrawal at the City Ground.

Fate (and Saka’s dodgy legs) granted Eze a surprise chance to hit back after the weekend hurt and he could hardly have done much better.

He timed his run expertly to get in behind the Bayern defence – what a pass by Martin Odegaard by the way – and took time to compose himself before smashing a low shot past Manuel Neuer in goal (how often do Arsenal players stay calm in those positions?).

Okay, his response is not quite a sporting miracle, but it still feels somewhat poetic and it keeps up a nice personal knack of delivering in big moments – bar the UCL final shootout. A long-term layoff for Saka might just be his biggest assignment yet and the boss simply needs Eze to take this golden opportunity with both hands.

This has to kickstart his N5 career.

Negative #2: The manner of conceding

Arsenal pride themselves on a strong defensive record but it seems to let them down at key points in this competition.

First, it was disappointing to see them carved open as they were for the Alphonso Davies equaliser, which came just ten minutes after Eze had scored. To watch Harry Kane (Again!) then score a penalty (AGAIN!) added insult to injury.

The spot kick is even more frustrating as Arsenal are normally so disciplined around the box but still cough up penalties at crucial moments like this one here and in the UCL final, albeit it was a little bit harsh on Jurrien Timber.

They should not feel ashamed to concede against one of the best attacking teams in world football, though you just wish Kane would not be the one to benefit so often. Let that be the last penalty he ever scores against the Gunners.

Positive #3: Never giving up

Rick Astley would be so proud.

Bayern carry an air of inevitability about them and, when they get in front, they usually end up with a cricket score.

But Arsenal fought back well after the Kane penalty. Like at the weekend, they pinned the home side back for a while – something which does not happen on this ground – and there was a sense that an equaliser might soon come.

It was worth the wait, too, as quick, incisive passing between Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres saw the Swede eventually make a lovely deft pass back into Rice’s path, perfect for him to run onto and fire into the net.

His strike earned Arsenal a helpful point in the League Phase against a team that will likely rival them for top spot, all whilst demonstrating the sort of mettle that might drag them all the way to the final in Madrid.

Ivan Gazidis was right; the Gunners can compete with Bayern Munich.

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