Bayern Munich: Takeaways from thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal
A depleted Bayern Munich side was expected to struggle against an in-form Arsenal side that was on a 14-game winning streak in the League Phase since 2024.
Eberechi Eze came on for the injured Bukayo Saka and caused immediate chaos, breaking Bayern's offside trap to score the opener. Bayern Munich responded 10 minutes later with Alphonso Davies' goal following a scrumptious pass from Harry Kane.
Kane continued his incredible Champions League form with a goal from the spot, but Declan Rice ruined the party at the Allianz Arena with a late equaliser. A point shared put Bayern Munich 14th on the League Phase table after three games, with plenty of work to do.
Let us look at the key takeaways from Wednesday's fascinating game at Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane is the only correct choice for the Ballon d'Or
We are running out of words to describe Harry Kane. It is impossible to define a player like him in a single word or put a tangible value on him at the moment.
Facing the best defence in football at the moment, without Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, Kane did all the heavy lifting for Bayern Munich, from building up from the back to putting the ball in the back of the net.
Many predicted he would struggle without his playmakers spoon-feeding him the goals, but Harry Kane proved doubters wrong. The Englishman registered two key passes and one big chance created, which ended up becoming an important equaliser for Bayern just before the break.
That is not to mention the audacious moment when he took over Manuel Neuer's goal kick duty and fired a pinpoint pass to Davies for the breakaway, only for Serge Gnabry to squander the chance.
Of course, he had to put the cherry on top of this performance with a goal for himself. He is such a complete player. On his own, he lifts the other players around him to the next level, not just the other way around.
Prime Alphonso Davies returns, but it doesn't hide Bayern's problem
Bayern Munich's second-best player against Arsenal after Harry Kane was Alphonso Davies. Vincent Kompany was forced to use Davies as a left-winger with Luis Diaz unready for 90 minutes.
Davies' contributions on both ends of the pitch were top-notch. He scored a goal and generated plenty of chances on the offensive side, while tracking back and supporting Josip Stanisic to contain a skilful Noni Madueke.
Diaz came on late in the second half but was later substituted off with a non-contact injury. If the Colombian had to miss time, Kompany would be left on an island with no proper left-wingers.
On the opposite flank, Michael Olise's absence exposed a depth issue for Bayern Munich. Gnabry has yet to find form after returning from injury. He also looked sluggish and missed a couple of big chances against Arsenal. The 30-year-old is still a phenomenal player if he returns to last season's form, but at this point in his career, he's no longer fit to be a winger.
With Olise out, many Bayern fans expected Lennart Karl to step up. But after being subbed on, all he left was disappointment. He failed to make a difference offensively while looking like a net negative on defence. Low confidence and fitness are hampering his development as a proper back-up for Olise.
These issues need to be addressed in the winter transfer window. Bayern cannot compete in the latter stage of the season if one or two wingers come down with an injury.
No Kimmich, No problem for Bayern
Bayern's vice-captain Joshua Kimmich had to sit out the important game against Arsenal due to personal reasons. Tom Bischof was granted an opportunity to play in his first big match for the club, and he did not disappoint.
The 22-year-old displayed a much higher level of physicality compared to Kimmich. It complemented Aleksandar Pavlovic well and benefited Bayern Munich on the defensive side. The midfield duo controlled the tempo magnificently, especially in the second half.
While Kimmich has an irreplaceable presence in Bayern's midfield, his absence presented Arsenal with a tactical surprise.
Bayern was much more direct with Bischof and Pavlovic, and it seemed to have confused Arsenal's pressing trap without a legitimate playmaker at the back.
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