Rice Rescues Arsenal in 2-2 Draw at Bayern as Saka Goes Off Injured
Declan Rice scored an 82nd-minute equaliser as Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, October 21, in matchday 3 of the Champions League. The point came with a worry for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka was forced off with a thigh injury after only eight or nine minutes. The full diagnosis and his recovery time have not been confirmed.
Saka fell to the ground while attempting a pass and grabbed his thigh. He signalled to the bench straight away. It was a non-contact injury. Reports describe it as a quad problem. Manager Mikel Arteta gave a concerned update after the game, but there is no official timeline for his return. Saka is Arsenal's joint-top scorer this season. His absence could be a big issue as Arsenal balance domestic and European games.
His replacement, Eberechi Eze, made an immediate impact. In the 25th minute, Martin Ødegaard floated a simple pass across Bayern's defence. Eze ran on to it and stroked the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Arsenal had started well and pinned Bayern back with their physical play. Bayern equalised when Alphonso Davies finished after a superb pass from Harry Kane.
Early in the second half, Neuer made a great save to keep out a Gabriel header and keep the score level. Then, in the 61st minute, Kane put Bayern in front from the penalty spot. The penalty came after Arsenal defender Timber blocked a shot from the striker. Kane said afterwards that a draw was probably a fair result.
Arsenal struck back with eight minutes left. Late substitute Viktor Gyökeres threaded a clever pass to Rice. The England midfielder drove into the area and fired a low shot into the far corner. Timber later came close to a winner, but his swerving shot was tipped over.
Bayern were without in-form winger Michael Olise, captain Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala. Arsenal, last season's runners-up in the competition, now have seven points from three games and sit seventh. Bayern are 14th with five points. Kane, who is among the favourites for the Ballon d'Or, has the ceremony in his hometown of London coming up.