Harry Kane Fires Back at Arsenal After Breaking Unwanted Milestone
Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane declared he was "eager" to face Arsenal once more in the Champions League, despite suffering a disappointing performance at the Emirates Stadium during their midweek encounter.
The England skipper has frequently troubled the club where he once played as a youngster. Following his release at age eight for being "somewhat overweight" and "lacking athleticism," Kane has pursued a personal vendetta against the Gunners.
The record holder for most goals in north London derby matches aimed to increase his impressive collection of 15 strikes against Arsenal in Wednesday's group stage meeting. However, his pre-match confidence proved misplaced as Bayern suffered a 3–1 defeat while Kane managed zero shots.
This marked the first occasion in 22 matches versus Arsenal that Kane completed a game without attempting a goal. The 32-year-old hadn't gone an entire Champions League fixture without shooting since October 2023.
Harry Kane vs. Arsenal on Nov. 26, 2025
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Minutes | 90 |
Goals | 0 |
Shots | 0 |
Shots on Target | 0 |
Chances Created | 0 |
Touches in Att. Penalty Box | 1 |
Touches in Def. Penalty Box | 3 |
Statistics courtesy of FBref.
Bayern as a team managed only eight efforts as Arsenal stayed relatively comfortable except for Lennart Karl's sharp first-half leveler. David Raya was required to make merely one save.
Despite the loss, Bayern are anticipated to accompany Arsenal in progressing to the Champions League elimination rounds, and Kane expressed enthusiasm about another encounter with his north London adversaries. "I'm confident we'll meet them again in the tournament's latter phases and we're excited about that prospect," the England captain shared with TNT Sports.
Should Arsenal manage to neutralize Kane as effectively again, the Gunners would likely welcome another meeting themselves.
Kane: Draw Would Have Been Fair
Bayern Munich has shown a resentful attitude in accepting their inaugural loss this campaign. Joshua Kimmich dismissively characterized Arsenal as merely a set-piece focused side that neglects actual football, while manager Vincent Kompany remarked: "I don't believe any of us aspire to be the finest team in November."
Kane avoided such extremes, though suggested Bayern might have secured a point under different circumstances.
"An excellent contest," Bayern's star player observed. "I felt the opening period was quite balanced, a tie would probably have been deserved.
"Then in the second period, we simply lacked the same drive and vigor. We lost too many battles and ultimately Arsenal made us pay for that."
Before the match, Kane highlighted Arsenal's set-piece strength and was frustrated to see the home side score from a corner. "They possess excellent organization, they secure first and second balls and obviously from set pieces, we understood they would pose a threat," he lamented.
"They're a quality side, there's a reason they've won every Champions League match and why they lead the Premier League."
Declan Rice Sends Arsenal Warning
Leading the league(s).
Arsenal are commanding this season - domestically and internationally. pic.twitter.com/RHrwGvgVqB
Despite Bayern's criticisms, Declan Rice issued his own caution to the Arsenal squad. The Gunners' dynamic midfielder urged his colleagues not to "become overconfident" following their impressive seasonal start.
"There's still much ground to cover," Rice emphasized.
Nevertheless, the England midfielder took time to appreciate an excellent result. "Consider Bayern Munich this season, they've been Europe's finest team," he praised. "This was likely the most challenging tactical match we've faced this season. Their execution is exceptional.
"We matched them directly in the second half and I believed tonight we were remarkable. The manager is delighted. It was a memorable European evening."