Bayern Munich 5 Arsenal 1: Arjen Robben’s brilliance and Gunners over-reliance on Laurent Koscienly… five things we learnt
It was an embarrassing thumping for Arsene Wenger's side who crumbled despite scoring an away goal which surely means nothing now
Sponsored by
ARSENAL's second half capitulation in Munich gave Bayern total control of this last 16 clash after a comprehensive 5-1 win.
Goals from Arjen Robben, Robert Lewandowski and a Thiago Alcantara double meant Alexis Sanchez's equalising away goal has little significance ahead of the second leg, barring a miracle.
Here are five things SunSport learnt from the first leg clash at the Allianz Arena when Bayern really turned on the style, leaving the Gunners with a mountain to climb...
He's not Robben a living
He may be 33 and looks about 50, but Dutch master Arjen Robben has still got it - highlighted by his stunning goal to open the scoring after 13 minutes.
Yes, he may have no right foot to speak of and may be predictable to some, but by God it works - you simply don't give a player such as Robben the freedom of Munich to run at your defence.
But that is exactly what Francis Coquelin did before the ex-Chelsea man shot ever-so precisely into the top corner from over 25 yards, kissing the post as it flew beyond the helpless David Ospina.
Bayern haven't been the sparkling side we know them to be this term, but the presence of an elder statesman that can still produce such brilliance is of vital importance to Carlo Ancelotti.
Wenger needs his head Cech-d
This is nothing against David Ospina, who was helpless for Robben's pile-driver and produced some excellent performances in the group stages.
But this is no walk in the park or a testimonial, it is the Champions League, a competition that Arsenal boss Wenger has a poor record in - so it was crazy he did not pick number one Petr Cech.
Cech is the only Champions League winner in Arsenal’s squad who has the experience to help his shaky back line against quality opposition.
He similarly could do nothing for any of the other goals and actually made some stunning saves - but Cech offers that much more protection, especially when Koscielny went off.
related stories
Counting the Kosc
Before Laurent Koscienly went off, the score was 1-1 and the Gunners had a genuine foothold in the game with an away goal.
Four minutes in the second period, the French defender limps off and is replaced by Gabriel Paulista - and in the next 15 minutes, Bayern scored three goals.
His importance to the side cannot be overstated anymore - Arsenal crumble without him there, there is no defence when he is injured, which is sadly all too often.
It is the same old story for Gunners fans and the over-reliance on one defender is a criticism levelled at Wenger year on year - and it doesn't look like this season is any different.
Where, Ozil where?
At times in the first half, you would have been forgiven for wondering why Alexis Sanchez had nobody in support of him up front, such was German Ozil's anonymity.
He was so quiet and crucially, failed to track back unlike Alex's Oxlade-Chamberlain and Iwobi as Bayern's flare players attacked with trademark ferocity.
And when the ball did finally find it way to the mercurial talent when put through down the left, his shot was straight at Maneul Neuer with only the giant keeper to beat.
There's no doubt he has moments of brilliance, but they certainly missed the driving, direct play of Olivier Giroud - he did himself no favours as he tries to silence the critics.
No prizes for topping the group
It really did not matter if Arsenal went through undefeated from the group stages, beating Ludogorets and Basel along the way.
It didn't even matter if they drew with moneybags PSG in the home and away ties - nor was the fact that Bayern only finished second and have lacked a spark this season.
The simple fact of the matter is Arsenal do not have the know-how or ability when it comes to the knock-out stages, and for another year look to be heading out of the prestige competition.
Bayern, aside from having class players that can win a match in an instant, managed the game superbly and exploited the Gunners' many weaknesses - and it could have been many more than just four.
Anything other than a thumping of Sutton in the next round of the FA Cup and it could be curtains at last for Wenger - European failure yet again must surely be viewed dimly by the owners.