The Emirates Stadium was buzzing on Wednesday night, and for good reason. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal delivered a statement performance in the UEFA Champions League, securing a crucial 3-1 victory over German giants Bayern Munich. While the goals from Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli will grab the headlines, the engine room performance has earned special praise from a Gunners legend.
Former Arsenal defender and pundit Martin Keown was left thoroughly impressed, singling out five players for their pivotal roles in dismantling the Bavarian side.
Keown’s Five-Star Performers
Speaking on TNT Sports post-match, Keown dissected the victory and couldn’t hide his admiration for the team’s structure and individual brilliance. He highlighted a core group that made the difference:
1. Martin Zubimendi: The Deep-Lying Navigator
According to Keown, the Spanish midfielder was the silent architect of the win. “Zubimendi made it possible,” Keown stated. “He sits deep in that midfield, he navigates for Arsenal with the ball, and then Rice can get forward.” This role was crucial in providing a stable platform, allowing others to flourish.
2. Declan Rice: The Galloping Force
Keown was particularly effusive in his praise for the English international, describing his display as a masterclass. “Rice was galloping around that pitch. It was the most complete performance that I have seen this young man play.” With Zubimendi holding, Rice was unleashed, using his power and drive to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
3. Eberechi Eze: The Creative String-Puller
In a team filled with energy, Eze provided the essential creative spark. Keown simply labeled his performance as “different class,” highlighting his role in “pulling strings” and unlocking a stubborn Bayern defense with his vision and technical quality.
4. Bukayo Saka: The Ever-Present Threat
The ever-reliable Bukayo Saka once again proved his worth on the big stage. Keown’s succinct praise, “Saka, always there,” encapsulates the winger’s constant menace and ability to influence the game, keeping the Bayern defense on their toes throughout the 90 minutes.
5. Mikel Merino: The Unsung Hero Up Top
Completing Keown’s list was forward Mikel Merino. “This guy up top, [Mikel] Merino, he puts a performance in,” Keown remarked, acknowledging the striker’s selfless work rate and contribution to the overall team dynamic, which was essential in leading the press and linking play.
A Blueprint for Success
Keown’s analysis points to a perfectly executed tactical plan by Mikel Arteta. The combination of Zubimendi’s control, Rice’s dynamism, Eze’s creativity, Saka’s threat, and Merino’s industry created a midfield unit that Bayern simply couldn’t handle.
He perfectly summed up the night for the North London club: “It was a very good night for Arsenal.”
This victory sends a powerful message to the rest of Europe. With a balanced and talented squad firing on all cylinders, the Gunners have proven they can mix it with the very best.
