Bayern’s trip to the Emirates have been expected since the draws were made late last year after the gunners finished second in a group that contained Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.
This game was one of the triple emirates games of the feared february of which was to determine Arsenal’s direction this season. A goalless draw with the Red Devils followed by a 2-1 FA Cup win over Liverpool preceded this mouth watery clash.
At the end of the clash, Bayern took a huge advantage into qualifying for the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League.
An Arsenal side without suspended Arteta and benched Giroud had the task of getting a result from pep. Sanogo had his first UCL start and Wilshere returned. The gunners were the better side for the 1st 15 minutes with Sanogo forcing a save and Ozil winning a penalty. The 42m German picked himself up to take the shot but beat the air in frustration as Neuer saved easily.
That missed penalty would go ahead to set the tone for the game as the German side took the reins. The gunners will rue the absence of Arteta who is the number penalty taker. Does it mean that no one else can play penalties in the Arsenal. Even Wenger questioned Ozil’s style after the game, rueing the missed opportunity
“I prefer that people run properly at the ball,” Wenger told Sky Sports when asked about of Ozil’s penalty technique. “Look, everyone has their own style and you have to respect that there is not one way of penalty taking. He feels comfortable like that, it’s his style.”
He missed a penalty… with his style of play… what can I say? They missed one as well. The regret I have is that we missed our penalty. We needed that tonight because you could see that Bayern was on the ropes at the start of the game. We had three good chances in the first 15 minutes, we started the game well. I feel too make them more insecure we needed to score that penalty. But he missed it.
Then came the moment for Szczesny to get an early bath for clipping Arjen Robben in the box. A penalty conceded and Cazorla had to pay. Fabianski came in for the ambidextrous Cazorla. Fortunately for the gunners Alaba missed just like a manchester united-sunderland script. Szczesny got the 100th Arsene Wenger-era Arsenal red card. Centurion Szc.
The gunners held on till the break but Gibbs had to leave even before Szczesny for Monreal.
In the 54th minute Bayern broke through. Lahm fed Kross from the left and the midfielder fired a crisp, first-time effort that beat Fabianski high at the near post. The goal only pushed Arsenal further into their shell.
The sending-off had changed the game. The home side had showed so much impetuousness in the first half. But Bayern can take apart top sides with 11 men, let alone with a man down.
Fabianski saved Robben’s shot and Mario Gotze headed wide but the seconds ticked away and Arsenal started to look for the whistle. However Muller headed home from Lahm’s cross five minutes from time to double Bayern’s advantage. Too many ball watching. A little lapse, a crucial blow.
No home team have scored in this 2nd round. The stats below doesnt seem good.
- Possesion: 28%-72%
- Goal Attempt: 5-24
- Shot on target: 4-16
- Shot off target: 1-8
- corners: 2-9
- fouls: 8-16
- offside: 3-3
The tie is not up, Allianz Arena is next. There is hope as ever. In wenger’s words
It isn’t over because we will fight until the end.
It is sad especially following the 8 year draught. nevertheless, we need to move on and think of the next game against Sunderland.
Ooh to be a Gunner.
SoccerGunz 