Targeting the Emirates: Bayern Seek to Sustain Momentum Against Arsenal
25 November 2025
Match context
Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich’s coach, hopes to keep their European run intact as they travel to Arsenal on Wednesday for a Champions League fixture at the Emirates. After winning the first four group-stage games, he stressed the importance of continuing the ledger, while acknowledging that facing Arsenal will be Bayern’s toughest challenge yet.
“We have won the first four games; that has been crucial. So far, we have achieved what we set out to do, and we hope this continues,” Kompany said in the press conference. “But playing against this team will be the hardest task we face right now. We are happy about that; that’s why we’re here, this is what we want.”
On Arsenal’s style under Mikel Arteta, he added: “They’ve evolved—high fitness, great attention to detail. They have very few weaknesses. That is Arteta’s character.”
Arteta, for his part, emphasized Arsenal’ s development: “They’ve grown steadily, paying close attention to physical conditioning and tactical nuance. They are a team with few weak points.”
Arsenal’s strengths and Bayern’s plan
Looking at the Gunners’ set-pieces, Kompany admitted: “We know their set-piece quality isn’t always on full display, but it’s a phase we need to improve in—both defending and attacking.” He also highlighted Arsenal’s mental fortitude and resilience, noting Lennart Karl’s ongoing rise and the need to stay mentally ready for every moment.
He added that Bayern have prepared across the board: “We’ve analyzed, worked on it, and even the best teams can struggle against Arsenal in certain moments. But we won’t focus solely on defense; we want to score and be very strong from set-pieces, both offensively and defensively.”
In a broader context, Kompany spoke about the tactical balance of the Bayern side: “You defend as a unit, but you must also trust your attacking strengths. We want a well-rounded performance and a good day to showcase what we can do.”
Arsenal’s coach Arteta was praised by Kompany for his influence and leadership, with the Bayern coach recalling Pep Guardiola’s era and noting the role of his former coaching circle in shaping Arteta’s methods. “Arteta has done a meaningful job, and we know what to expect from Arsenal,” he said.
On individual form, Kompany commended young Lennart Karl’s continued growth and underlined that Gnabry and Kimmich are in good shape heading into a challenging fixture. He also hinted that all squad members could be available for selection, signaling Bayern’s depth as a potential edge in a tightly contested group.
Numbers also shape the storyline: Bayern have lost only two of their last 12 European matches against English clubs, while boasting 11 wins in their last 15 Champions League outings. In the group phase, Bayern have endured just three defeats in their last 52 matches, and only one of their last 73 European games has ended 0-0. Harry Kane leads this season’s Champions League with five goals, level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, while Victor Osimhen sits on six after four rounds. Arsenal have won just twice in their last nine European ties against German sides.
“Ultimately, we will try to be the best versions of ourselves and to rise to the moment,” Kompany concluded, signaling a bold but measured approach for the Emirates showdown. “We are in a good phase and we want to show it on the night.”
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper, Bayern would aim for the top corner while Arsenal sweeps for the training wheels—both teams know the target, but only one will celebrate.
Punchline 2: Bayern’s playbook is so tidy that even their coffee breaks come with a tactical brief; ready when the whistle blows, or at least when the espresso does.
