Vincent Kompany is eagerly anticipating the challenge of facing Arsenal, viewing it as Bayern Munich's toughest test in the Champions League so far. Both teams have maintained a perfect record, winning
all four of their matches. Alongside Inter and Manchester City, they are among the few teams not to have trailed in any game this season.
This upcoming match will feature the league's best attack against its strongest defence. Kompany's team has scored 14 goals, matching Paris Saint-Germain for the highest tally. Meanwhile, Arsenal have yet to concede a goal. Bayern also lead in expected goals with 12.3 xG, while Arsenal top the charts for expected goals against (1.9 xGA) and shots on target faced (seven).
Kompany recognises the significance of this encounter but is enthusiastic about competing against Mikel Arteta's squad. "We won our first four matches, which was important," he stated. "So far, we've done what we set out to do, and we hope that this continues. But playing against this team will be the most difficult task we face at the moment. "
Kompany praised Arteta's tactical acumen, noting: "We coaches want to win trophies, of course, but we also see how teams need to be set up and trained. Few teams defend as well in the penalty area. " He acknowledged Arsenal's organisation during set pieces and their long-standing cohesion under Arteta’s guidance.
Harry Kane has an impressive record against Arsenal, scoring 15 goals in 21 appearances against them. At the Emirates Stadium alone, he has netted six times in 10 games, making him the highest-scoring visiting player there.
Bayern's Championship Aspirations
Bayern Munich are considered second favourites to win the Champions League according to Opta’s supercomputer, with a 16% chance. Arsenal slightly edge them out with a 23% probability. Kane remains focused on securing the trophy and believes Bayern have learned from past mistakes.
"Winning the Champions League would mean a lot to me," Kane expressed. "It would be incredible. We're one of the favourites. " He reflected on lessons learned from previous seasons, particularly from their game against Barcelona.
Kane noted improvements over recent months: "Over the past eight or nine months, we've seen that we're much more consistent, much better. " He highlighted their match against Barcelona as pivotal in understanding pressing strategies.
