Arsenal shrank in the face of the occasion, writes OLIVER HOLT after 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich
Daily MailWhen the time came to show that they were ready to mix with European royalty again without looking like paupers in rags next to the ermine of the elite, Arsenal shrunk in the face of the occasion. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring at the Emirates with a superb finish against Bayern Munich Gunners captain Martin Odegaard led emphatic celebrations as Arsenal took the lead Saka bent his left-footed shot first time past Manuel Neuer as the Emirates crowd erupted Former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry responded with an equaliser for Bayern minutes later Your browser does not support iframes. Arsenal did conjure a late second half rally with an equaliser from substitute Leandro Trossard but the 2-2 draw means they have a mountain to climb when they go to the Allianz Arena for the second leg next Wednesday and the Bayern fans who were banned from the ground here will be in full voice. Harry Kane announced his return to the north London with a goal to put Bayern ahead Arsenal defender William Saliba tripped Leroy Sane in the box to concede the spot-kick Kane rolled his penalty into the bottom corner to score a record-breaking goal at the Emirates But confidence was not confined to the Arsenal ranks. Trossard's shot nestled in the bottom corner to give Arsenal a lifeline against Bayern The match ended in controversy when Saka tried to go round Manuel Neuer in the area and fell under his challenge Havertz fell under a challenge from De Ligt in the box but the Swedish referee waved away appeals for a penalty and replays showed Havertz had trailed his legs over the defender's heels.