According to a report by Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has praised Arsenal after his team played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Gunners in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The two European giants delivered a closely contested encounter at the Allianz Arena, with Declan Rice scoring a late equaliser to earn Arsenal a valuable point away from home.

Eberechi Eze put Arsenal ahead after coming on for the injured Bukayo Saka, with his goal standing following a VAR review. Bayern responded through Alphonso Davies before Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to give the hosts the lead.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side continued to fight and eventually found an equaliser in the 82nd minute when Rice combined with substitute Viktor Gyokeres to secure a draw for the North London club.

Speaking after the match, Kompany described Arsenal as a “top opponent”, acknowledging the quality and intensity they displayed throughout the contest.

The Bayern manager admitted that his side created several dangerous opportunities and may have had more clear-cut chances to win the game. However, he also recognised Arsenal’s strong spells during the match and their ability to prevent Bayern from taking complete control.

Kompany further suggested that his players struggled physically towards the end of the encounter, with the final 10 to 15 minutes proving particularly demanding amid a busy schedule.

“Arsenal pressed as intensely as we did,” Kompany said, highlighting the tactical battle between the two sides. He added that Bayern sometimes struggled to find the right opportunities to advance into the final third, despite creating promising situations.

The result will provide Arsenal with encouragement as they continue their Champions League campaign, having demonstrated their ability to fight back against one of Europe’s leading sides. However, Saka’s early injury remains a concern for Arteta, who will await further medical assessments to determine the extent of the problem.

For Kompany, the draw highlighted how small margins can determine outcomes in elite European football. Although Bayern may feel they had enough opportunities to secure victory, Arsenal’s resilience ensured that both teams shared the points.

Both clubs remain unbeaten in the Champions League league phase, leaving them well placed as they look to maintain their strong starts to the competition.