Rice strikes to earn Arsenal draw at Bayern

Alex Howell
Football reporter at the Allianz Arena

Declan Rice scored a late equaliser as Arsenal and Bayern Munich played out an entertaining draw in the league phase of the Champions League in a game where Bukayo Saka limped off with injury.

Saka went down after just 10 minutes with a suspected thigh problem, after he attempted to play a pass without anyone around him.

Eberechi Eze replaced Saka and scored the opening goal of the game in the 35th minute, after he latched on to an excellent pass by Martin Odegaard, with the video assistant referee needing to intervene after the England international was initially flagged offside.

But Bayern Munich were behind for just 10 minutes, with Harry Kane picking the ball up in midfield and splitting the Arsenal backline with a pinpoint pass for Alphonso Davies to finish.

Kane, who had produced a number of eye-catching passes during the match, then put Bayern in front from the penalty spot.

The England captain's shot struck Jurrien Timber's hand inside the area and Kane sent David Raya the wrong way from 12 yards as he looked to have completed the turnaround.

Bayern piled the pressure on to Arsenal as they looked for a third goal but the Gunners held firm before Rice exchanged passes with substitute Viktor Gyokeres and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to level the game.

The Gunners pushed for a winner and Jurrien Timber forced Manuel Neuer into an acrobatic stop before full-time.

'This could be a real problem for Arsenal tonight and going forward'

Another all-action performance from Rice - Arsenal player ratings

Eze puts Arsenal ahead after perfect pass from Odegaard

Starting XI

David Raya: A very good save down low from a Serge Gnabry shot in the first half and an even better one from Dayot Upamecano in the second. His long-range passing was a big weapon for Arsenal in this match. 7

Jurrien Timber: Looked like he had regained some of his old sharpness. Some good moments going forward but got caught for one of the Bayern goals. 6

Ezri Konsa: The centre-back was given the tough task of sticking close to Harry Kane and had to follow the striker all over the pitch. A decent performance but also booked for a late tackle. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes: A solid game from Gabriel but part of a backline that conceded twice. 6

Riccardo Calafiori: The left-back is usually known for his attacking ability but he put in a good defensive display even though Arsenal conceded twice. 7

Declan Rice: The usual all-action display from Rice and he capped the performance with an excellent equaliser. 8

Bruno Guimaraes: The midfielder still looks like he is getting up to speed after joining the club. Some nice moments on the ball and almost scored with a header. 6

Martin Odegaard: An excellent pass for the opening goal and looked bright all evening. 7

Bukayo Saka: Started brightly but had to be withdrawn after just 10 minutes as he picked up what looked like a thigh injury, going down when nobody was near him as he attempted a pass. 5

Noni Madueke: Started on the left but switched to the right and was direct all night. Lots of effort and bright moments but nothing to show for it. 6

Kai Havertz: Some nice moments of link play but not enough of an attacking threat. 6

Subs:

Eberechi Eze (on 10, Saka): Scored the opening goal with a great finish low into the corner. A much-needed goal. 8

Viktor Gyokeres (on 68, Havertz): Came on and exchanged passes with Rice for the equaliser. 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly (on 69, Guimaraes): A big game to come on in from the bench and did well. 6

Mikel Merino (on 85, Odegaard): Introduced as Arsenal looked for a winner. 6

Subs not used: Meslier, Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Zubimendi, Dowman.

Kane's 'perfect' pass splits Arsenal open for Bayern equaliser

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.