One of the reasons for Arsenal’s rise this season has been a strong team defence.
It’s pouring right now – when it matters most.
Several dangerous endings
Bayern took advantage of defensive mistakes as the German giants left London and the first quarter-final meeting with a 2–2 result.
At the weekend, Arsenal fell behind again – and Aston Villa reduced Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League thanks to a 2-0 victory.
The battle for the semi-final place at the Allianz Arena was for a long time an open affair. Bayern (Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guirreiro) did hit the same post twice in the same attack and put goalkeeper David Raya through several difficult tests, but in terms of play the match was even.
Decided in the second half
Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard had dangerous finishes where Manuel Neuer had to show why he is a world-class goalkeeper.
The decision fell in the 63rd minute. On Raphael Guerreiro’s cross from the left, Joshua Kimmich pounced and got a perfect header. Far too many Arsenal players – and Martinelli in particular – focused on watching the ball, not Kimmich.
Manager Mikel Arteta wasted no time, picking out both Martinelli and Jorginho and investing offensively with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.
A push in the hunt for the necessary equalizer that led to extra time was the idea, but it didn’t turn out to be that much. In a last ditch effort, striker Eddie Nketiah was substituted with five regular minutes remaining.
Neither did it have the desired effect and Arsenal’s adventure in the Champions League is over. Bayern Munich can prepare for semi-final games with a view to another visit to London.
The final will be played at Wembley on 1 June.