Arsenal’s hope for a Champions League title hangs in the balance as they fought hard to a 2-2 draw with Bayern in the first leg of the quarter-finals clash staged at the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka gave Mikel Arteta’s side an early lead with a superb, curling finish. However, Bayern capitalized on poor defending to equalize against the run of play through former Gunner Serge Gnabry soon afterwards.

Harry Kane returned to north London with a goal when William Saliba tripped Leroy Sane at the end of a blistering run after 32 minutes. The England captain stepped forward for the resulting penalty and silenced the taunts with his 15th goal in 20 appearances against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side were not at their fluent best, but substitute Leandro Trossard was the beneficiary of outstanding work by Gabriel Jesus to equalize.

Bayern continued to threaten on the counter and might have had a third goal through Sane if not for a heroic recovery run and tackle by White after the winger had sprinted through on goal.

At the end, Arsenal were complaining bitterly that referee Glenn Nyberg should have awarded a last-gasp penalty when Saka went down, but it looked like the Gunners’ forward initiated the contact with Neuer.

Bayern, without any fans at the Emirates Stadium due to a UEFA ban, will welcome Arsenal to the Allianz Arena for the second leg on Wednesday next week with the tie in the balance.

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