Bayern Star Downplays Arsenal Threat After Emirates Defeat
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has dismissed the idea that Arsenal were his team's most formidable Champions League opponent this season, despite the German giants suffering their first defeat of the campaign in a 3-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The result marked a stunning end to Bayern's remarkable unbeaten run, which had seen them win 17 of their opening 18 matches across all competitions. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, in contrast, secured their fifth consecutive victory in the competition with a dominant second-half display.
How the Match Unfolded
The Gunners took an early lead when defender Jurrien Timber powered a header into the net from a Bukayo Saka corner. Bayern Munich found an equaliser in the 32nd minute through Lennart Karl, who tapped in from close range.
After the interval, Arsenal shifted to a higher gear. Substitute Noni Madueke, introduced in the second half, put the home side back in front with a well-taken goal. The victory was sealed when another substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, capitalised on a rare mistake from veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
This defeat was Bayern's first in any competition this season, highlighting the significance of Arsenal's performance on the European stage.
Kimmich's Verdict: PSG Posed a Greater Challenge
When questioned by TNT Sports Brasil after the match on whether Arsenal were the toughest side Bayern had encountered, Kimmich was unequivocal. "No, I don't think so," he stated. "I think PSG were the toughest one, especially the way they play football."
The German international drew a sharp contrast between the two opponents. He described Arsenal's approach as being heavily reliant on set-pieces, long balls, and physical duels for second balls. "It was a completely different game," Kimmich explained. "Against PSG, it's more a football game. Today, it was not so much about football, it was about game management, it was more about the duels."
Despite acknowledging that Arsenal deserved their win, Kimmich pointed to Bayern's own shortcomings. He admitted his team was not "brave enough" or "physically up to par" to handle the intense pressure from the Premier League side.
A Lesson in Contrasting Styles
Expanding on his thoughts in a separate interview with German media, Kimmich compared the physical battle against Arsenal to their earlier 3-1 Champions League victory over Chelsea in September. He indicated that his team was aware of the different challenge Arsenal would present.
"It was clear that it wouldn't be a game like the one against Chelsea, where it's mostly about playing football," Kimmich said. "We were aware that it would be much more about fighting for every ball, lots of long balls."
He specifically highlighted Arsenal's effectiveness from dead-ball situations, noting that the constant threat from corners and free-kicks eventually became difficult for Bayern to defend against.
While giving credit to Arsenal for a deserved victory, Kimmich's comments firmly place Paris Saint-Germain, whom Bayern defeated 2-1 earlier in November, as the more technically demanding and difficult opponent in his view for the 2025 Champions League season.
