Bayern Munich may have settled for a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, but the underlying numbers suggest Vincent Kompany’s side had plenty of opportunities to leave with all three points.
Despite having just 46% possession compared to Arsenal’s 54%, Bayern Munich generated the greater attacking threat, finishing with 2.51 expected goals (xG) against Arsenal’s 1.40. The German champions also recorded 29 touches in the opposition box, compared to Arsenal’s 21, and created four big chances, twice as many as their
opponents.
The problem? Bayern Munich missed two of those big chances. Against elite opposition in the Champions League, that kind of wastefulness can be costly, and it ultimately contributed to a result that will leave the Bavarians wondering what might have been.
The shot count was nearly identical, with Bayern Munich recording 13 attempts to Arsenal’s 14. Both teams managed five shots on target, suggesting that the difference was not necessarily volume, but the quality of the opportunities created.
Arsenal dominated possession and completed more passes, but Bayern Munich was more dangerous when attacking. Kompany’s side also won the battle for touches in the penalty area and created more clear-cut opportunities.
There are positives to take from this performance, particularly against one of Europe’s strongest sides. However, Bayern Munich will know that creating chances is only half the job.
The bottom line — Bayern Munich had the better opportunities, but failing to capitalize on them meant settling for a draw when three points were there for the taking. Against Arsenal, the margins are razor-thin.
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