Bayern Munich star Harry Kane is set for another emotional return to north London on Wednesday as he prepares to face Arsenal.
The former Tottenham striker has always been known for his goals, but under Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, the 32-year-old has evolved into a more complete and versatile player. Kane now drops deeper, contributes creatively, and even helps out defensively, a shift that has been central to Bayern’s blistering start to the season.
So far, the German champions have won 17 of their 18 matches in all competitions, drawing only one, with Kane featuring in every single game.
With 15 goals in 21 previous appearances against Arsenal, Kane remains a major threat to Mikel Arteta’s side, who boast the best defensive record in Europe this season. Arsenal are yet to concede in the Champions League and have allowed just six goals in the Premier League.
Kane, however, is in devastating form with his 24 goals in 18 games for Bayern, plus five goals from five for England.
But beyond his scoring numbers, it is his expanded role that has impressed most. With Jamal Musiala sidelined by a broken ankle, Kane has often operated behind Nicolas Jackson or Serge Gnabry, acting almost like a creative midfielder.
And he’s relishing it. “I know I’m not just a goal-scorer,” Kane said after Bayern’s 6–2 comeback win over Freiburg.
“This is the most I’ve enjoyed my football… I love the way we play aggressively, no fear. I love tackling, helping out, blocking shots. People will start to appreciate the other stuff I do.”
Kane may also need to step up further as Luis Díaz who scored both goals in Bayern’s win over PSG is suspended for three Champions League games following a red card.
Returning to Arsenal’s ground always carries extra meaning for Kane, who was once released by the club as a young boy.
“I was there for a couple of years and got released. But that was 20 years ago, we’ve moved on,” he said.
He last met Arsenal in the 2023–24 Champions League quarter-finals, scoring a penalty as Bayern advanced.
Despite Bayern’s strong form, Kompany’s side have shown vulnerability from set pieces, a worrying detail given Arsenal’s strength in that area. All four goals Bayern conceded in their last two matches came from dead-ball situations, while Arsenal have scored 10 of their 24 Premier League goals from set pieces.
Kompany didn’t hide his concern: “You can’t hide it. Arsenal’s analysts will see it. We have to show character and defend better.”
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