Manuel Neuer Showcases Skill Against Arsenal as Bukayo Saka Penalty Claims Persist

• Manuel Neuer was lucky not to concede a late penalty against Arsenal on April 9
• The German custodian seemingly dangled a leg and took out Bukayo Saka in extra-time
• On the flip side, he pulled off an impressive skill that helped set up Harry Kane's goal

Manuel Neuer had a contrasting game against Arsenal when Bayern Munich travelled to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the 2023/2024 quarter-final Champions League clash.

The veteran German goalkeeper was thrust back into the starting eleven by head coach Thomas Tuchel after missing the last two games with a groin injury.

He conceded inside the first 12 minutes of the contest after Bukayo Saka curled the ball past him. Neuer, however, started to exact his authority in the game, pulling off other important saves before inadvertently setting up his side's second goal.

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Manuel Neuer's skill vs Arsenal

With the ball at his feet, the 38-year-old scanned the pitch to see where he would send his goal-kick. Kai Havertz pressed him, forcing the former Schalke 04 custodian to hoof the ball up in the air before hitting to his right to Joshua Kimmich.

The skill and show of confidence further rubberstamped his place as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers who revolutionised the position.

Thanks to the skill, Bayern escaped the initial Havertz press with Kimmich nodding down the ball to Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender played a one-time pass to Leroy Sane, who made easy work of Jakub Kiwior on the halfway line.

The pacy winger then advanced with the ball into the Arsenal area, where he was fouled by William Saliba, leaving the referee with no choice but to award the penalty, which Harry Kane scored.

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The second leg will be played on April 17 at the Allianz Arena, as captured on UEFA's website.

Neuer's foul on Bukayo Saka

Neuer, however, almost turned villain in the last minute of the game after he appeared to trip Saka inside his own area.

Sports Brief has reported that Saka was left frustrated after he was denied the penalty, with the referee immediately waving away Arsenal's complaints.

The no-penalty decision from the referee left the tie evenly poised at two-all ahead of the return leg in Germany next week.