Kimmich: Upcoming Arsenal Match Crucial for Assessing Bayern’s Status

Bayern Munich’s Upcoming Challenge

Joshua Kimmich emphasized that the upcoming match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal on November 26 will serve as a crucial test for the team led by Vincent Kompany. This declaration comes on the heels of Bayern’s impressive 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, marking their sixteenth consecutive win to kick off the season.

Match Highlights

In this encounter, Luis Díaz scored both goals for Bayern, although his performance was marred by a red card received just before the half-time break for a reckless challenge on Achraf Hakimi. Paris Saint-Germain managed to pull one back with a João Neves goal in the 74th minute, but Bayern managed to hold on for the win.

League Standings

Following this result, Bayern currently sits at the top of the League Phase standings, edging Arsenal on goal difference after the Gunners won 3-0 against Slavia Prague. Kimmich indicated that the upcoming match at the Emirates is a pivotal moment for Bayern to assess their form against a formidable opponent.

“We are first and have Arsenal in the next game,” Kimmich stated. “Then we can see once again where we stand.”

Team Performance

During the match in Paris, Kimmich praised his team’s performance, especially in the first half, which he described as intensely competitive.

“We were incredibly resilient, had many really good chances and were physically very present. I must say, the first half was one of the most intense halves of my career for both teams,”

he reflected.

Defensive Strength

The victory was significantly bolstered by seasoned goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made several critical saves in the second period, demonstrating Bayern’s defensive solidity against one of the top teams in Europe. Neuer, who will turn 40 next March, remarked on the challenging nature of playing with ten men.

“With ten men, of course, it is not easy, and the second half was a real fight,”

he acknowledged. He credited the team’s rigorous training that prepares them for situations where they are outnumbered, which proved advantageous against PSG.

“We wanted to stand compact and try to hold the ball in front. That was hard because we were outnumbered. Even for the strikers, it was challenging to maintain possession against three defenders or draw a foul. But overall, we did well.”

Looking Ahead

As Bayern Munich, a frequently cited favorite for the UEFA Champions League title, prepares for their next challenge, the stakes are high, and the match against Arsenal promises to be a defining moment for their campaign.

– Luis Enrique expresses frustration after PSG’s errors against Bayern Munich