Leandro Trossard’s late equalizer prevented Harry Kane’s triumphant return to north London as Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg. Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Kane’s first-half penalty gave Bayern a 2-1 lead, and Trossard came off the bench to equalize the score in the final stages of the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal took the lead through Bukayo Saka before former Gunners winger Serge Gnabry equalized for Bayern.
During his time with Tottenham Hotspur, Kane scored 14 goals in the North London derby, setting a North London derby record, which made him inevitably the target of ridicule from Gunners fans.
When Kane scored his sixth career goal at the Emirates Stadium and his 39th in all competitions in his first season at Bayern, it looked like the England captain would have the last laugh. .
But Trossard’s dramatic intervention keeps the game delicately balanced ahead of the second leg in Munich on April 17.
Although Neuer tripped Saka in the final seconds and Saka was furious at not being awarded a penalty, Gunners coach Arteta said only: “The decision has been made and we can’t change it.”
“We started really well. We dominated, created some momentum and scored the first goal. And then down the stretch we didn’t score the second goal.”
“We gave them two goals today. That’s the biggest lesson. When they have that space, they can punish you.”
Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed his side should have awarded the penalty themselves, saying: “The referee would not have awarded the penalty because he said it was a mistake their defenders made in handling it.
“This is a terrible explanation. We are outraged. This is a huge decision that goes against us.”
Premier League leaders Arsenal are in superb form this season, while Bayern are on the verge of relinquishing the German title for the first time in 12 years after a brutal domestic campaign.
Arsenal, who have looked unusually hesitant at times as they reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2010, will be relieved that their hopes of winning the Champions League for the first time remain intact.
Security measures have been tightened for this week’s Champions League match, allowing the 60,000 fans in the auditorium to focus on watching the exciting game.
A media outlet supporting the Islamic State group published threats against the stadium hosting this week’s quarter-finals.
European football’s governing body UEFA confirmed it was aware of the threats but games at the Emirates Stadium and Madrid (where Real Madrid drew with Manchester City) went ahead as planned.
on the blade
Befitting their poor form, Bayern started nervously, with Alphonso Davies soon booked for a challenge on Saka, resulting in the Canadian defender being suspended for the second leg.
Arteta’s side took the lead in the 12th minute, displaying an intensity and composure that led Tuchel to label them “the best team in the Premier League”.
Saka started Arsenal’s high press, winning the ball deep inside Bayern’s half before Ben White’s back pass picked out the England winger in the box.
Saka’s shot was unerring, low and past Manuel Neuer and into the far corner for his 18th goal in all competitions this season.
But Tuchel’s side revealed a rare moment of naivete from Arsenal and equalized six minutes later.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes accidentally gave away possession and Bayern swooped in from Leroy Sane’s perfect pass before Leon Goretzka picked out Gnabry, Gnabry Lee cleverly guided a shot past David Raya from 12 yards.
This was the first time Arsenal had conceded a goal at home in the Champions League this season, and Raya had to pick the ball out of the goal again in the 32nd minute.
It was only Leroy Sane’s dazzling drive that caught Arsenal off guard in the heart of the defence, when William Saliba’s rude challenge was awarded a penalty.
With boos ringing around the Emirates Stadium, Kane kept his composure to send Raya the wrong way from the penalty spot, then grinned at the Arsenal goalkeeper on his way back to the center circle.
Arteta made an inspired tactical adjustment in the second half, sending out Trossard and Jesus, helping Arsenal shake off their lethargy in time and equalize the score in the 76th minute.
Jesus was the catalyst, launching a brilliant sprint into the Bayern area that ended with a pinpoint pass to Trossard, who gleefully slotted past Neuer for a brilliant finish.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
Follow us on Google news ,Twitter , and Join Whatsapp Group of thelocalreport.in
