Arsenal must rediscover attacking edge against Bayern to prove Champions League credentials
Arsenal face one of their toughest examinations of the season when they visit Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with their Champions League ambitions set for a significant test at the Allianz Arena. The Premier League champions have made an encouraging start to their European campaign, recording victories over Napoli and Lille without conceding.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will recognise that recent performances have not always matched the results. Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest offered another example, with Noni Madueke's deflected winner rescuing an otherwise uninspiring attacking display.
Arsenal managed just one shot on target against opponents struggling near the bottom of the Premier League, raising questions about their ability to trouble stronger opposition. Those shortcomings could prove costly against Bayern, who remain among the perennial favourites for Europe's biggest club competition.
Vincent Kompany's side demonstrated their attacking firepower by thrashing RB Leipzig 6-1 over the weekend, with Luis Diaz scoring a hat-trick. Bayern have also scored 25 goals across their last six matches, illustrating the scale of the challenge awaiting Arsenal's defence.
Their formidable European home record provides another warning, with the German champions unbeaten in 39 Champions League group or league-phase matches at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal cannot expect to survive such an encounter by relying on defensive resilience and occasional moments of individual brilliance.
The Gunners reached last season's Champions League final before suffering a heartbreaking penalty-shootout defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. That experience strengthened their determination to go one better, but genuine European contenders must demonstrate their quality against opponents of Bayern's calibre.
The hosts will be without suspended winger Michael Olise, whose creativity and attacking threat represent a significant loss. Nevertheless, Harry Kane remains a familiar danger, having scored 15 goals in 22 previous appearances against Arsenal.
Diaz and Serge Gnabry also provide Bayern with sufficient attacking quality to punish defensive lapses. Arsenal have their own injury concerns, particularly with William Saliba unavailable, making discipline and concentration essential.
However, the greater challenge may be producing a more convincing attacking performance. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres possess the ability to trouble Bayern, provided Arsenal move the ball with greater urgency and purpose.