The atmosphere at The Emirates often comes under criticism for being quiet on occasion but that was certainly not the case on Tuesday night – as Arsenal drew 2-2 with Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich.
In a topsy-turvy, hotly-contested match, Arsenal went 1-0 up through Bukayo Saka but found themselves fighting for an equaliser – which they got late on through substitute Leandro Trossard, a wonderful goal.
In the mean time, Serge Gnabry equalised against his old side before Harry Kane scored his 15th goal in 20 games against Arsenal – in what was his first game against Arsenal for another side than Tottenham.
The fans were ferocious and the noise generated when Trossard equalised for Arsenal was breathtaking. As was the noise when Saka went down under a challenge from Manuel Neuer, begging for a penalty.
With away goals no longer involved, it means the second leg comes down to a one-game shootout. But Tuchel’s side will be the happier of the two clubs to come away from The Emirates without a deficit.
Speaking after the game to BeIN Sports, Bayern manager Tuchel was asked for a summary at the start of an interview. He spoke about the atmosphere at Arsenal, praising the noise made by The Emirates.
“Performance was good, tough match, very tough opponent, very, very strong. Fantastic atmosphere in the stadium, we had no fans here so it was very tough to play against,” Tuchel said, to BeIN Sports.
There were so many decisions to make for the man in the middle, Glenn Nyberg. Plenty of big calls that required a decision. Should Kane have been sent off? Arguable, but probably just about a yellow card.
But you have seen them given. Ally McCoist said yellow card. Others have said he got lucky. VAR could have helped with that one, but they were always goping to stick with the decision made by Nyberg.
Bayern should have had a penalty. No doubt about it, Arsenal got away with one. Gabriel’s handball is a strange situation but he should have conceded a spot kick. Saka going over for a penalty? More in doubt.
The England star seems to kick Manuel Neuer, more than Neuer upending the winger. Again, one that would not be overturned by VAR – but replays show that Nyberg probably got that one right. Tough.
