Arsenal registered a convincing 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Gunners had a fairly even opening half against the German champions at the Emirates Stadium.
They opened the scoring through Jurrien Timber’s header from a Bukayo Saka corner in the 22nd minute.
Lennart Karl equalised for Bayern just 10 minutes later. A defensive mishap from Myles Lewis-Skelly allowed Serge Gnabry to put the ball on the plate for the teenager to score.
Arsenal were undoubtedly the better team after the interval. They could have easily scored one or two goals from corners and eventually took the lead through substitute Noni Madueke.
Gabriel Martinelli put the gloss on the performance with a third goal soon after. The Brazilian had an empty net to find after Manuel Neuer was completely out of position outside his box.
Declan Rice was adjudged the man of the match after the victory. He had fond words to say about midfield teammate Martin Zubimendi, who has been a revelation since his summer arrival.
The England international said that the £48 million-rated star (Fotmob) has been ‘so good’ for the team.
He told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “It’s been so easy to play with Martín Zubimendi.
“From the first moment we had with each other in pre-season, I just knew we’d play some good football. I really like him, he’s such a nice guy.
“He is Spain’s No 6 and you know what Spain No 6’s are like. He has been so, so good for us.
“Every game requires something different. Every player knows their role.”
Zubimendi won only two out of 10 duels contested against Bayern, but he was impressive with his distribution. He completed 40 out of 44 passes with an accuracy of 91 percent.
The Spaniard completed 100 percent of his long balls (3/3) on the night and also made three recoveries. The midfielder lost possession only six times over 90 minutes.
Rice and Zubimendi have formed a terrific understanding in the centre of the park, and will have a big part to play on Sunday when they take on Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have one of the best defensive midfield pairings in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Reece James has likewise operated from the heart of the midfield this campaign.
Arsenal must win the midfield battle in west London this weekend to get the better of the Blues and extend their six-point advantage at the top of the league standings.
Stats from Fotmob.com & Sofascore.com
