Arsenal delivered a powerful Champions League performance at the Emirates Stadium as they handed Bayern Munich their first defeat of the campaign.
The home side showed confidence and authority, scoring three well worked goals through Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli to move clear at the top of the table.
The match opened with caution from both teams, but Arsenal found the breakthrough after twenty one minutes.
Bukayo Saka sent in a sharp corner and Timber reacted fastest, rising above the defence to guide a precise header beyond Manuel Neuer.
Bayern responded shortly after the half hour mark when Lennart Karl finished first time from Michael Olise’s cross after a sweeping move that started with Joshua Kimmich.
The second half belonged completely to Arsenal. Saka tested Neuer early, Merino and Rice kept forcing openings and the German champions struggled to contain the growing pressure.
The reward arrived when Riccardo Calafiori, who had just come on, surged down the left and whipped in a cross that Madueke converted for his first goal for the club.
The Emirates lifted again minutes later. A Bayern attack broke down and Ebere Eze released Gabriel Martinelli with a quick pass over the top.
The Brazilian sprinted through from his own half, rounded Neuer who had rushed out, and rolled the ball calmly into an empty net. It marked his fourth goal in four Champions League games this season.
Arsenal closed out the game with control, limiting Bayern to half chances and protecting their lead with composure.
The result ended Bayern’s long unbeaten run in all competitions and confirmed Arsenal as the only side yet to lose in this Champions League phase.
The Gunners now turn their attention back to domestic football, with a trip to Chelsea followed by meetings with Brentford and Aston Villa before returning to Europe for the match against Club Brugge.
