Arsenal out of Champions League: Where the Gunners fell short against Bayern Munich

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Arsenal have been knocked out of this season’s Champions League after falling to a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 in their quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena after Joshua Kimmich’s second-half winner.

Here’s what went wrong for Mikel Arteta’s side…

Defensive lapses

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Arsenal defended very well for the majority of the game and gave very little to Bayern, but defensive lapses have ultimately cost them a place in the semi-final. The Gunners were given a warning sign early in the second half when Leon Goretzka headed onto the bar after making a run into the box from deep, and it was a similar situation which led to the winning goal as Raphael Guerreiro’s ball into the box was headed in by an unmarked Kimmich. Gabriel also had some nervy moments which could have proved costly.

Lack of urgency and far too predictable in attack

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The bigger problem, however, was Arsenal’s lack of ingenuity, urgency and their predictability in possession. Bayern were terrific off the ball thanks to their organisation but the Gunners made it even easier for them.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to create many clear cut opportunities, particularly in the second half and after going a goal down. Too often Arsenal were content to keep possession where it did not hurt Bayern and when it did get into the final third, they were too cautious and reluctant to take risks. There was very little in the game but Arsenal’s unwillingness to try something different has cost them, and was particularly frustrating as the game approached its end.

Wide players disappointing

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Much of everything positive that has happened at Arsenal under Arteta has been down to the wing duo of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, but both really struggled to impact the game against Bayern. Martinelli spurned a good chance to score in the first half and neither he nor Saka really tested the Bayern back-line in behind. Both being well off their best meant it was going to be very difficult for Arsenal to win the game. Martinelli especially was too easy to defend against.