By Martin Graham
Arsenal’s clash with Bayern Munich it brings together two sides that have so far been flawless in Europe, each with perfect records and progressing very well domestically. Victory at the Emirates would bring a safe finish to the league stage and strengthen their path to the last 16, while extending impressive starts at home and away. The London club have stumbled just once this season, while the German champions remain unbeaten.
However, the meeting brings an additional layer of intrigue through the reunion of god bless you i Miquel Olisewhose connection once lit up Crystal Palace. Their understanding, honed over countless chess games on the training ground, made them one of the most entertaining duos in the Premier League. Olise introduced Eze to the board, prompting hours of study and sparking a partnership that sometimes felt instinctive on the pitch.
Eze’s style of play even won him a $20,000 online chess prize earlier this year, though his friend may pose the bigger strategic threat tonight. They followed similar run routes from the Championship to Selhurst Park, linking for eight goals, all created by Olise for Eze. Now, with both preparing for a possible World Cup appearance, they find themselves as opponents on one of football’s biggest stages.
As Arsenal and Bayern chase dominance, the personal subplot adds tension. One will hope to make the decisive move at the final whistle.
The rise of Olise in Germany
Michael Olise has blossomed since moving to Bavaria. The 23-year-old has collected a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, has won a regular place for Franceand lifted the Bundesliga trophy. It marks a remarkable rise from his arrival in England just a few years ago, when Palace signed him from Reading for £8million.
During three seasons in south London, he scored 10 league goals in his final campaign before a £50m switch to Bayern. Manchester United had shown interest, but the winger chose a new challenge abroad. The decision has paid off spectacularly, with nine goals and 10 assists already this season.
His last outing was a standout display, producing two goals and three assists in a 6-2 win against Freiburg. Although he is naturally introverted away from the pitch, he continues to show his quality in decisive moments and is strongly motivated to impress in England.
His production has increased: he contributes a goal or an assist every 85 minutes, has doubled his goalscoring rate from his Palau days and is shooting more often while still creating chances at almost the same rate. The change has made him one of Bayern’s most dangerous selling points.
Eze’s revolutionary moment
Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, enjoyed an emblematic weekend. The lifelong Arsenal supporter scored his first senior hat-trick in a 4-1 triumph Tottenhambecoming the first treble in a north London derby since 1978. His rise has been more steady than Olise’s, shaped by earlier setbacks after unsuccessful spells at various London academies.
His move from QPR to Palace in 2020 transformed his fortunes, eventually leading to a £60m move to Arsenal following an FA Cup triumph. He has been one of the most prolific English players in the Premier League this year, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo recording more direct contributions.
With five goals and three assists in competitions, he has embraced the expectations that come with playing for a title-chasing team. Although he creates slightly less than he did at Palace, his threat in front of goal has grown, supported by a high volume of attempts that places him among Arsenal’s players.
His performances underline his influence on Mikel Arteta’s team. In tonight’s meeting, he and Olise are presented as two forwards whose shared pasts give added meaning to their duel, even as they both look to deliver the decisive moment.
