Arsenal women player ratings vs Bayern Munich: Why was Katie McCabe subbed?! Full-back stars before being hooked as Pernille Harder inflicts heavy Champions League defeat

The Ireland star provided two excellent assists but was replaced in the second half as the German champions pulled clear on Wednesday

Arsenal's Women's Champions League campaign got off to the worst possible start as the Gunners were thumped 5-2 by Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal took the lead after 30 minutes, as Mariona Caldentey volleyed home from close range after a fine cross from Katie McCabe. Glodis Viggosdottir, however, equalised for Bayern on the verge of half-time, looping a brilliant header into the far corner, outjumping Stina Blackstenius, after a fine Georgia Stanway delivery.

Ten minutes after the restart, the comeback was complete as Sydney Lohmann scored brilliantly, angling an effort under Manuela Zinsberger.

The game continued to flow from end to end, as Laia Codina equalised with a fine header, again from a McCabe delivery, but Bayern - so dominant in the second half - were back in front with 20 minutes remaining, as Pernille Harder nodded home from a corner.

And Harder then added her second with just 13 minutes remaining with another header from close in. The ex-Chelsea attacker even had time to complete her hat-trick, finishing after Giulia Gwinn's cross with just five minutes left.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from FC Bayern Campus Platz 1...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (4/10):
Had absolutely no answer to any of Bayern's goals but was regularly rooted as crosses came into the area.
Emily Fox (4/10):
Struggled against Bayern's intense running and could do nothing to stop the delivery for the fourth goal, despite it coming down her flank.
Laia Codina (6/10):
Went close in the first 20 minutes with a header. Scored in the second half with a similar effort but, much like Leah Williamson, struggled against Bayern's directness.
Leah Williamson (4/10):
Strong and powerful in her distribution but weak in the air, something Bayern punished with glee.
Katie McCabe (7/10):
Some absolutely beautiful deliveries from wide, setting up both goals. While the second goal came down her side, it was bizarre to see her subbed. Arsenal's best player.

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Midfield
Kim Little (5/10):
Didn't play particularly well in midfield, as Bayern were too direct in their build-up and regularly bypassed her.
Lia Walti (6/10):
Did her best to shield the backline in open play but could do nothing to stop Bayern gaining control as the game progressed. Subbed.
Frida Maanum (5/10):
Subbed for Mead after a performance that saw her swallowed up by Bayern's midfield press. They marked her out of the game.
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Attack
Mariona Caldentey (6/10):
Pressed like a demon from the front. Scored a fine volley but faded as Bayern grew into the game.
Stina Blackstenius (4/10):
Led the line with physicality. Beaten in the air by Viggosdottir as she bullied her to score. Subbed for Alessia Russo, having failed to create a single chance.
Caitlin Foord (4/10):
Had precious little service throughout and couldn't cut through Bayern's defence. Subbed.

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Subs & Manager
Beth Mead (5/10):
On for McCabe. Had nothing like her impact.
Alessia Russo (5/10):
Replaced Blackstenius. Much like the woman she replaced, barely had a sniff of a chance.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (6/10):
On for Walti late on. Bayern scored quickly and the game was gone.
Rosa Kafaji (5/10):
On for Foord. Had a chance to shoot but failed to take advantage.
Steph Catley (6/10):
On for Maanum. Some hard running but Bayern were controlling the game.
Jonas Eidevall (3/10):
Why on earth did he take McCabe off?! Arsenal were playing well and had an outlet, but as soon as she was subbed, Arsenal's out-ball and their key creative outlet disappeared. In a second half in which Arsenal lost all control, it was a baffling decision, and one that cost his side.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager