Bayern Munich and Arsenal show strength in depth as Kompany adapts again

Bayern Munich and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena highlighted both teams’ ability to cope with significant absences, while Vincent Kompany once again demonstrated his tactical flexibility in a high-level Champions League contest.

The result on Wednesday was a fair reflection of a closely fought third-round match, with both sides producing threatening attacking displays despite missing key players.

Bayern were without Michael Olise through suspension, but his absence did little to blunt their attacking threat. The Bundesliga champions created a succession of chances, although their finishing was occasionally less effective than their build-up play.

Joshua Kimmich was also unavailable following the death of his father, yet Bayern did not appear short of control in midfield. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof performed well against an Arsenal side featuring a strong and experienced central midfield.

Kompany’s decision to use Alphonso Davies as a left winger rather than Luis Diaz also paid off. The Canada international scored Bayern’s opening goal and strengthened his case as another option in that position.

Arsenal were missing Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba because of injury. Their problems increased when Bukayo Saka was forced off in the 10th minute, but the visitors continued to pose a threat.

Eberechi Eze, brought on as Saka’s replacement, scored Arsenal’s opening goal to make it 1-0 and remained a constant danger to the Bayern defence.

Kompany changes approach

Kompany again showed that he can adopt a pragmatic approach and adjust his methods when required, particularly against elite opposition such as Arsenal.

Bayern played the first half with a degree of caution and relied more heavily on counter-attacks. That approach helped them restore parity through Davies, who made it 1-1.

The home side looked more assertive after the interval, especially during the opening 30 minutes of the second half. Bayern controlled possession for long periods and repeatedly threatened Arsenal’s goal.

Their pressure was rewarded when Harry Kane converted a penalty to put Bayern ahead. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his players gradually regained their balance during the closing stages, however, and Declan Rice’s goal secured a valuable point for the London club.

Arsenal had possession, but Bayern created the better chances

Arsenal finished the match with 54% possession, compared with 46% for Bayern Munich. They also recorded 14 shots to Bayern’s 13, although both teams managed five attempts on target.

The clearest statistical difference came in expected goals. Bayern’s chances were valued at 2.51 expected goals, while Arsenal’s total stood at 1.40.

Bayern also touched the ball 29 times inside Arsenal’s penalty area, compared with 21 touches for the visitors. Arsenal completed 502 passes to Bayern’s 433, while the hosts committed 15 fouls and the Gunners six.