Eddie Nketiah scores late Arsenal winner after Robert Lewandowski had levelled for Bayern Munich in International Champions Cup
EDDIE NKETIAH struck late to fire Arsenal to a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in Los Angeles.
The Bundesliga champions looked to have claimed a point after Robert Lewandowski cancelled out an own goal from Louis Poznanski.
But sub Nketiah secured a victory for the Gunners in their opening International Champions Cup opener at the death.
The North London side began their pre-season tour with a 3-0 triumph over Colorado Rapids on Tuesday.
However, Unai Emery opted for a completely different starting XI to take on the German giants.
Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were all named in attack as the Spaniard opted for a more experienced line-up at Dignity Health Sports Park.
And wearing their new "bruised banana" yellow away kit, Arsenal looked sharp from the off as they pressed Bayern.
Aubameyang almost forced opposition goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into an error when the stopper attempted to dribble past the striker on the edge of his six yard box, but fortunately for him he managed to smother the danger before the hotshot could finish.
Down the other end, Gunners 'keeper Bernd Leno twice denied Bayern with impressive saves from Thomas Muller and Daniels Ontuzans.
However, it was Arsenal who had the best chance of the goalless first half when Aubameyang raced from the edge of his own area to set-up Ozil - but the newly-blonde winger could only drive his effort straight at Neuer.
Bayern manager Niko Kovac changed his entire team at the break - and just moments after the restart one of his substitutes made the breakthrough.
Unfortunately for him 18-year-old Louis Poznanski turned the ball into his own net when attempting to clear an Aubameyang cross.
LATEST ARSENAL NEWS
Former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry came close to an equaliser on two occasions only to be denied by sub 'keeper Emi Martinez.
But he did manage to play a huge role in drawing Bayern level by setting up Lewandowski, who lost marker Shkodran Mustafi, to head home on 71 minutes.
However, just as the game looked to be heading to penalties the 20-year-old Nketiah stole the headlines.
With just three minutes remaining he converted from close-range after great work from fellow youngster Tyreece John-Jules and Calum Chambers.
The Gunners will now fly to Charlotte, Carolina, tomorrow for the second of their three ICC matches against Fiorentina on Saturday.
They conclude their trip to the US by facing Real Madrid in Washington DC on Tuesday.
