By Muheeb Mashood
Arsenal have cemented a masterclass performance in their UEFA Champions League opener following a comfortable 4-0 victory against PSV at Emirates stadium on Wednesday.
Six years after the Gunners struggled to secure a spot in the competition, the North Londoners crushed their opponent 3-0 before halftime, breaking the deadlock through Bukayo Saka barely before the fans could settle on their seats.
Leandro Trossard added the second at the 20th minute and Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus scored the third to seal the 3-0 first-half victory.
The second half saw both sides entertaining the spectators, although several opportunities were wasted by the host. Nevertheless, the Gunners extended their lead to 4-0 after a spectacular stunning strike from Odegaard in the 70th minute to head home the victory.
Miraculous Drama at Allianz Arena Stadium
Meanwhile, while Arsenal celebrated at the Emirates stadium, Manchester United battled in the Lion’s den in Germany against the ruthless Bayern Munich.
The beginning of the showdown awakened a miraculous thought in the minds of United fans after the Red Devils mounted a suffocating pressure on Munich. However, it’s not long before Man United bowed to the Bavarians’ dominance.
Leroy Sane broke the deadlock and put the German champions on the driver’s seat after he handed Thomas Tuchel’s men a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute, following the hatch of United goalkeeper, Andre Onana
The remaining minutes saw the German side packing the visitors inside their box with the skilful Jamal Musiala penetrating and frustrating the United defensive line before Serge Gnabry secured an amazing 2-0 lead for Bayern in the first half.
United responded through Rasmus Hojlund in the 49th minute after the break. However, could not level before Harry Kane extended Munich lead to 3-1 in the 53rd minute from a penalty kick awarded to his side after a thorough VAR check when Christian Eriksen committed a handball foul inside the box.
The Red Devils pulled out one again in the 88th minute through Casemiro but the second half substitute Mathys Tel restored Bayern’s two goal lead.
Another dead minute goal from Brazilian midfielder Casemiro ended the game at 4-3.