Bayern Munich might not have performed to expectations in the one all draw against Arsenal but as a result of the tie, the German Giants prevailed over their English counterparts to reach the quarters of Europe’s elite competition. Bastian Schweinstiger opened the scoring for the home side early into the second half but the Gunners responded immediately hitting the back of the net in one of their own thanks to Lukas Podolski. However at the end it was all too tall a mountain to climb for Arsenal who return from German empty handed. Here are the talking points from the encounter at Munich.
Same old story for Arsenal: Arsene Wenger might wonder what sort of a divine intervention his team needs to go beyond the knockout stages of the Champions League. The misery for the French professor started way back two months ago, when they failed to win their Group of death. While this defeat is no shame, critics would say the match was a foregone conclusion when the pairings was made. Time though will keep rolling but winning the FA Cup or the Premier League will be considered a success ending a barren run of silverware for the past nine years now.
This Bayern side will take quite a stopping: Perhaps this Bayern side has taken the majestic tiki-taka to an altogether different level thanks to their physicality and the evolution under Guardiola from Heynckes’ direct penetration has been spontaneous. Guardiola’s side have already wrapped up the Bundesliga and it would be of little surprise if they win the Champions League yet again. After all, they are like the Muhammed Ali who would knock out any pugilist who would cross his path.
Oxlade important for Roy Hodgson and England: Oxlade Chamberlain’s performance against Bayern was quite a bright ray of hope for Roy Hodgson’s England in the coming World Cup in Brazil. His direct penetrating runs caused quite a few headaches for the Bavarian backline and given his age he will prove massive for Arsenal in the coming years.
At the end perhaps, it was just “two” much for Arsenal who had a tall order and an insurmountable mountain to climb but on their flight back home, they can hold their heads high and keep their chins up. After all defeat against Europe’s current best team is no offence.
