Serge Gnabry experienced a sensational return to north London when his ruthless second-half quadruple earned an astounding 7-2 triumph for Bayern Munich at last season’s beaten Champions League finalists Tottenham, making him the only pick for Tuesday’s Carolina Herrera hero of the day.
The ex-Arsenal starlet burst into life with his side only one-goal ahead at 2-1. By the time he’d wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute, the Bundesliga holders and their emerging Germany winger had issued an emphatic message to the rest of Europe.
30-SECOND REPORT
A tense match was expected at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
These expectations appeared accurate when Germany right-back Joshua Kimmich’s 20-yard drive on 15 minutes soon levelled Son Heung-min’s opener. The hosts, however, never recovered from prolific Poland striker Robert Lewandowski’s swivelled finish on the stroke of half-time.
Gnabry would unleash four inch-perfect finishes from 53-88 minutes, each one arrowing into the corner. In-between, Harry Kane netted a penalty to make it 4-2 and Lewandowski buried another.
Bayern walked off the pitch bolstered by the knowledge they’d become the first club to net seven times at Tottenham in a major competition in the hosts’ 137-year history.
GNABRY STATISTICS
Attempts: 5
Goals: 4
Dribbles: 3
Pass accuracy: 82.9 per cent
GOT RIGHT
Bayern needed something extra to earn a standout result in Europe.
Their ascendant wide man would give them that step-up – and much, much more.
Gnabry oscillated between hugging the touchline and operating centrally, plus even swapped flanks at one stage. This movement proved far too smart for bedraggled Spurs.
That’s now an impressive five goals in eight club appearances this term for Gnabry. The 24-year-old’s exploits also reinforced a painful message to Arsenal that they’d let a major talent slip through their grasp in August 2016.
VERDICT
This was a historic performance to make the world take notice.
Gnabry had grown into a key figure when Bayern chased down Borussia Dortmund, domestically, last term. This week’s transcendent display has elevated him to a new plane of existence.
Five-time winners Bayern have not dominated Europe since 2013. The likes of Gnabry, Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman promise a bravura campaign ahead.
RATING: 10/10
