Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa is confident his team can overcome the challenge of Bayern Munich in the Champions League this week. The 28-year-old, who joined from Aston Villa for £51m, is relishing a reunion with England captain Harry Kane.
Konsa spoke after helping Arsenal secure a 1-0 Premier League win at Nottingham Forest, a ground where they had failed to win in their previous two visits. He made a key last-ditch tackle to preserve the clean sheet in stoppage time. "We hadn't won here in two seasons, the boss was going on about it," Konsa said. "These are the games you have to win."
Facing a familiar foe
The focus now shifts to Wednesday's trip to the Allianz Arena. Konsa has a strong personal record against Kane, having faced him seven times previously. The Bayern striker has scored only twice against him, both from penalties, with Konsa's teams winning four of those encounters. The most recent meeting was a 1-0 victory for Konsa's Aston Villa over Bayern in the Champions League in October 2024.
"The Villa-Bayern game … to beat them at home and keep a clean sheet … it was very special," Konsa recalled. "I don't really look much at those kind of stats but I am relishing the challenge." He acknowledged Kane's phenomenal record of 155 goals in 157 appearances for the German club but believes Arsenal will travel as equals, not underdogs.
A dream move and high standards
Konsa's adaptation at Arsenal has been swift, necessitated by an injury to William Saliba. He has played every minute in the Premier League and Champions League since his debut. The centre-back, a childhood Arsenal fan, said sharing the experience with close friend and fellow supporter Eberechi Eze has made it more special.
He feels a palpable desire within the squad to improve on last season's Champions League final defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain. Konsa won the Europa League with Villa just before that final and is hungry for more. "One hundred per cent," he said when asked about the squad's determination. "As players, the standards we have, the goals we have … we want to win everything, the Champions League, the Prem."
Despite the positive outlook, Arsenal's narrow win at Forest highlighted ongoing attacking concerns. The performance lacked spark and cutting edge, with the team managing a single goal from dominant possession. This has led to external questions about whether their current style can outscore Europe's elite. The 1-0 victory was their tenth win in eleven matches this season, a run built on defensive solidity.
Konsa and his teammates will need to balance that resilience with a greater threat in Munich. The defender's blend of fan passion and proven big-game composure will be a key asset as Arsenal seek a statement result in Bavaria.
Read the full report at theguardian.com
