Martin Keown singles out Arsenal star for praise after 'complete performance' vs Bayern

Declan Rice ‘had the keys to the city’ in Arsenal’s win over Bayern Munich, says Martin Keown (Picture: Getty)

Martin Keown reserved special praise for Declan Rice following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich, applauding the midfielder on perhaps the ‘most complete performance’ of his career.

Arsenal dealt the first blow against the run of play as Jurrien Timber headed home Bukayo Saka ’s inswinging corner to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute of Wednesday’s Champions League thriller at the Emirates.

Lennart Karl, 17, finished off an exquisite 24-pass move to level for Bayern just ten minutes later, becoming the youngest player to score in their first two appearances in the competition.

But the Gunners dug deep and once again showed their spirit and togetherness to turn the heavyweight group-stage tie back in their favour in the second period.

Noni Madueke directed home a pinpoint cross from fellow substitute to restore Arsenal’s advantage and Gabriel Martinelli increased the deficit in the 77th minute, capitalising on some questionable goalkeeping from Manuel Neuer.

The result saw Mikel Arteta’s side open up a three-point lead at the top of the table after five group matches. The north Londoners will look to make it six from six when they resume their campaign away to Club Brugge on December 10.

A possible injury to Leandro Trossard was the only negative on an otherwise dream night for the hosts ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Rice was named man of the match for his performance (Picture: Getty)

The Gunners maintained their 100 per cent record with the victory (Picture: Getty)

‘I was out of my seat in that second half. Declan Rice makes a tackle near the dugout and then suddenly Calafiori down that left-hand side, what a ball into the box,’ ex-Arsenal and England defender Keown said on TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle.

‘Two substitutes, decisions at the right time, but they went through the gears, Arsenal , and they lay down a marker with that performance tonight.

‘ Spurs at the weekend and Bayern Munich got worked tonight and they realised really what a contender Arsenal are in the Champions League this season.’

💥Impact off the bench🤫Kane kept quiet🔴Mixed night for Arsenal's full-backs @ben__fleming breaks down the key talking points from Arsenal's statement win over Bayern at the Emirates: pic.twitter.com/11WSc55mKn — Metro Sport (@Metro_Sport) November 26, 2025

Bukayo Saka was fouled all night (Picture: Getty)

Lennart Karl finished off a superb Bayern move (Picture: Getty)

Martinelli put the game to bed in the 77th minute (Picture: Getty)

Keown waxed lyrical about Rice’s individual display, saying it was as if the England international had been given ‘the keys to the city’.

‘He was galloping around that pitch. It was as if they gave him the keys to the city,’ Keown said of Rice, who deservedly went home with the man-of-the-match award.

‘It was the most complete performance that I’ve seen this young man play.’

Keown made sure to highlight the important role Martin Zubimendi plays in allowing Rice to roam and wreak havoc going forward.

‘Zubimendi made it possible, he sits deep in that midfield, he navigates for Arsenal with the ball and then Rice can get forward,’ he continued.

On top of that you’ve got [Eberechi] Eze pulling strings, different class, Saka, always there.