Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is set to return to north London on Wednesday to face old rivals Arsenal, arguably in the best form of his career after transitioning into a deeper, more versatile role.
Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, Kane has evolved into a more complete player at Bayern Munich, taking on additional creative and defensive responsibilities. The 32-year-old’s impressive form has been pivotal in Bayern’s remarkable start to the 2025/26 season. The German champions have won 17 and drawn one of their 18 games across all competitions, with Kane featuring in every match.
Kane’s record against Arsenal is formidable, having scored 15 times in 21 matches, and he may hold the key to breaching the Gunners’ resolute defence. Mikel Arteta’s side remain the only team in the Champions League yet to concede, and in the Premier League, Arsenal have let in just six goals, the best defensive record across Europe’s top five leagues.
This season, Kane has amassed 24 goals in 18 appearances for Bayern and five in five for England. Beyond his scoring, his deeper positioning has allowed him to operate as a creative midfielder under Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, often playing behind either Nicolas Jackson or Serge Gnabry. With Jamal Musiala sidelined due to a broken ankle, Kane’s role has expanded, giving him more freedom to influence the game.
“I know I’m not just a goal-scorer,” Kane said after Bayern’s 6-2 comeback victory over Freiburg. “I can impact the team with passing, one-on-one situations, and taking the pressure off the team. This is the most I’ve enjoyed my football because I’m just involved more. I love the way we play. A really aggressive style, no fear. I love tackling, I love helping the team out and blocking shots and all that part of it as well. Obviously, I’m going to be judged on goals, but I think, especially this season, people will appreciate some of the other stuff I do as well.”
With Bayern facing the Champions League suspension of Luis Diaz, who scored both goals in their 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, Kane will need to shoulder even more of the scoring responsibility.
Kane’s connection to north London adds an emotional layer to the encounter. Having developed through Tottenham’s academy after being released by Arsenal as a child, he has now returned to the city as a star Bayern striker. “I was there for a couple of years and got released,” Kane reflected. “It’s all part and parcel of the journey of football. That was 20 years ago, a long time ago. We’ve moved on a long way since then.”
The England captain also has recent Champions League experience against Arsenal, having scored a penalty in Bayern’s 2023-24 quarter-final victory over the Gunners. “It’s very familiar territory for me. Having played for Tottenham for so long, it adds a bit more to the game,” he said.
While Bayern are flying high, set-piece vulnerability remains a concern. They have conceded four goals from dead-ball situations in their past two matches, a weakness Arsenal could exploit given that 10 of their 24 Premier League goals this season have come from set-pieces. Kompany acknowledged the issue: “You can’t hide it, everyone saw it. Arsenal’s analysts will see it too. We have to show personality, character and defend those things. But I have confidence in our side.”
Wednesday’s clash promises to be a fascinating duel between Kane’s evolved Bayern role and Arsenal’s structured defence, with set-pieces likely playing a decisive part.
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