Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich: Player ratings as superb Gunners overcome familiar foes

Arsenal put in a sensational performance to secure a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich and continue their winning start to the Champions League campaign.

Mikel Arteta opted to make two changes to the side that defeated Tottenham 4-1 at the weekend with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Cristhian Mosquera coming into the defence in place of Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié.

Bayern controlled the opening stages as they dominated possession and created a few half chances, but it was the Gunners who broke the deadlock just past the 20 minute mark. Bukayo Saka swung in a teasing corner delivery for Jurrien Timber to meet and head past Manuel Neuer.

The hosts couldn't maintain their lead for long though as the Bundesliga side hit back through young star Lennart Karl. A brilliant ball over the top was calmly touched down by Serge Gnabry for Karl to fire in from close range.

Arsenal were frustrated even more after the equaliser when Leandro Trossard was forced off with an injury, being replaced by Noni Madueke. A lack of action throughout the remainder of the half saw the two sides go into the break deadlocked at 1-1.

The Gunners started the second half strong with Saka seeing a fierce strike tipped over by Neuer and his corners continuing to cause problems in the Bayern box.

Mikel Merino had a great chance to put his side back in front when a cross was played onto his head, but he could only send his effort straight at Neuer.

Arsenal carried on troubling the visitors' defence with their set piece deliveries and one almost paid off when Declan Rice's inswinging free kick sailed all the way through to confuse everyone allowing Mosquera to get his head to it, only to be denied by a quick reaction save.

It was then Rice's turn to go close when he made a brilliant run to race into the area and shoot, only to see his low effort kept out by Neuer with the rebound bouncing off Saka's heel.

As the final 20 minutes drew close, Arteta opted to make changes, bringing Calafiori on Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Martinelli on for Saka. The Italian had an instant impact as moments after coming on, he made a great run down the left to send a cross in for fellow substitute Madueke to fire in.

Bayern looked to hit back, but Arsenal continued to keep them at bay and added a third soon after. Eberechi Eze sent a ball over the top which Neuer attempted to race out and collect, but Martinelli beat him to it and raced through to tap into an empty net.

With his side in control, Arteta took the opportunity to rest players and give chances to others. Taking Eze and Timber off, he introduced Ben White and the returning captain Martin Ødegaard to make his first appearance since early October.

The Gunners saw out the closing stages to take a crucial three points and manage their fifth win from five games. With Bayern being familiar foes who have taken a number of wins off the north London side over the years, the victory would have been extra special for Arteta's side.

It sees them move to the top of the Champions League league phase table as the only side to have won all of their games in this season's edition of Europe's premier competition and puts them in a great position as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Here are the ratings from Arsenal's brilliant 3-1 win over Bayern Munich.

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - His distribution was good, finding his teammates with a number of good passes. Not much he could do about the equalising goal.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7.5/10 - Opened the scoring when he rose well to meet Saka's corner and head past Neuer. Really steady down the right side and did practically everything right. Subbed off with 10 minutes to play.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Bailed out by Raya when his attempted clearance bounced off Zubimendi and almost into the path of Kane. Improved throughout the game and helped keep Bayern at bay.

Cristhian Mosquera (CB) - 7/10 - Denied his first Arsenal goal when Neuer reacted quick to save his header from close range. Will be disappointed not to have scored, but he played a quietly important part to help his side to victory.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 5/10 - Struggled in a tough battle with the Bayern right side. Caught out as Gnabry made a run in behind him to assist the equaliser and later Olise to allow him a chance to run into the box. Withdrawn after 68 minutes.

Midfielders

Eberechi Eze (CM) - 7/10 - Had an opportunity to strike at goal after bringing the ball down well, but opted to set Saka up, only to see his pass go too far for the winger to reach. Assisted Martinelli's goal with a good ball over the top. Made way for Ødegaard in the 80th minute.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 8/10 - One of his side's best players, helping control the play so well while also playing a number of good passes, winning duels and headers.

Declan Rice (CM) - 8.5/10 - Was running constantly as always. Troubled Bayern with his set piece deliveries and made a brilliant run to break into the box and shoot, but was denied by a great save. Wore the armband for some of the second half before Ødegaard was introduced.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 7/10 - Assisted Timber's opening goal with a perfect corner delivery to trouble the Bayern defence. Constantly caused problems with his crosses into the box. Taken off with just over 20 minutes to play.

Mikel Merino (ST) - 6.5/10 - Played a similar role to what he did against Tottenham and dropped deep as a 'false nine'. Had a great chance to put his side back in front, but headed straight at Neuer.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 6/10 - Caused a few problems down the left side in the opening stages, but his night was brought to a premature end as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Madueke.

Substitutes

• Noni Madueke (on 37' for Trossard) - 8/10
• Gabriel Martinelli (on 68' for Saka) - 7.5/10
• Riccardo Calafiori (on 68' for Lewis-Skelly) - 7.5/10
• Ben White (on 80' for Timber) - N/A
• Martin Ødegaard (on 80' for Eze) - N/A

Player of the match: Declan Rice