In the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, Harry Kane, the former Tottenham striker, maintained his impressive record against the Gunners by scoring a penalty for Bayern Munich.
Kane’s return to north London stirred anticipation not only among Bayern fans but also among those who remembered his exploits at Tottenham.
Back at the Emirates Stadium for the first time since departing Spurs in the summer, Kane capitalized on the opportunity, calmly converting a first-half penalty to give Bayern a 2-1 lead before halftime.
His goal came shortly after Serge Gnabry had equalized Bukayo Saka’s early opener, with Leroy Sane winning the penalty.
Arsenal fans stay behind to serenade Harry Kane during his post-match interview 😅
The striker joins the team to discuss his goalscoring record against the Gunners and Bayern’s game plan for the second leg.
🎙 @laura_woodsy, @rioferdy5 & @martinkeown5 pic.twitter.com/znFjspH7So
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2024
Known for his proficiency from the spot during his tenure at Spurs, Kane’s successful penalty added to his legacy, making him the highest-scoring opposition player at the Emirates.
“I think they have a soft respect for me,” he said of Arsenal fans who were goading him during his interview on TNT Sports.
“I know there wasn’t just Bayern Munich fans watching this game tonight, so maybe there was a little bit more pressure. It is always a tough game.
“I have done a bit of research of the penalties against Porto, he (David Raya) was reading it into the corners early so I had to change my style a little bit.
“It was nice to see him go early and make it easy for me.”
⚽ 𝟕 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬
🅰️ 𝟑 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬No player has been involved in more #UCL goals this season than @HKane 🔥#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/AQqBKEVcTk
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 9, 2024
Leandro Trossard’s goal in the second half resulted in a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an intense second leg in Munich next week.
Kane reflected on the match, acknowledging the strength of Arsenal as a formidable opponent, especially considering their previous competitive seasons. He highlighted the tactical adjustments made by Bayern, transitioning to a 4-4-2 formation to counter Arsenal’s threat.
Recognizing Arsenal’s status as Premier League leaders, Kane emphasized the challenging nature of the game.
For Kane, the Champions League presents a vital opportunity for silverware in his debut season with Bayern, given their struggles in the Bundesliga title race.
Despite the team’s underwhelming performance in the league, Kane has thoroughly enjoyed his first season in Germany, showcasing remarkable scoring prowess with 39 goals in 38 matches.
Expressing his sentiments, he emphasized the overall positive experience despite the team’s disappointing league campaign.
Kane acknowledged the disparity between his personal success and the team’s collective outcome, highlighting the dichotomy between individual achievement and team performance.
“To see a different culture, to see a different league, it has been a great step in my career.
“The league has gone this year but I am at Munich for a long time and I know we will come back stronger.”