Arsenal’s Champions League dream came to a disappointing halt on Wednesday night when a Joshua Kimmich header gave Bayern Munich a 3-2 aggregate victory in the quarter-finals.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create a clear-cut chance at the Allianz Arena, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz unable to replicate the stellar form they have shown in front of goal this campaign.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN takes note of the things you may have missed during the Champions League tie.
Gunner legends in the house.
Arsenal royalty descended on the Allianz Arena, with former centre-back David O’Leary and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann in attendance.
Both have won trophies with the north London club, O’Leary winning the league title twice in his 18-year career with the Gunners, while Lehmann, of course, was part of the 2004 Invincibles squad.
Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night after losing 3-2 on aggregate, and a Joshua Kimmich header gave Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory on the night.
Kimmich’s goal in the second half was enough for Bayern Munich to qualify for the semi-finals.
Although, interestingly, owners Stan and Josh Kroenke were also present. They will both have felt how special a night like this is after a 14-year absence from the Champions League quarter-finals.
More mind games from Arteta
Mikel Arteta’s European mind games continued. He will normally play the player a club presents to the media at the press conference the day before a Champions League match.
Otherwise, the interview is, in many ways, redundant. Before the first leg, Arsenal welcomed Gabriel Jesús. He came on in the 67th minute.
Before the second leg, Leandro Trossard was presented to the press on Tuesday. He didn’t end up being a starter either. A cunning and obstructive move.
Arteta’s mind games continued when Gunners winger Leandro Trossard was benched in the second leg despite appearing at the pre-match press conference (above) on Tuesday.
No more rainy Tuesdays in Stoke…
Five years ago, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting came on for Stoke in the 72nd minute against Everton in the Premier League.
He scored, but seven minutes later he was substituted off the field due to a groin strain.
The striker has gone from sitting on the Stoke bench to a Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich. The stuff of dreams.
Tomiyasu’s risk is worth it
Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first start since December 2, more than 120 days ago. He made a risk-filled decision due to lack of playing time.
But after the last few games, the left-back position was clearly an area that needed to be approached carefully. Jakub Kiwior was destroyed by Leroy Sane in the first leg, and Oleksandr Zinchenko came under fire after a mistake in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
You could see why Tomiyasu was turned to.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (left) made his first start since December 2 and the risk paid off for Arteta.
From banned to banners…
It’s clear that Bayern fans won’t soon forget their recent entry ban.
UEFA had banned all fans of the German club from attending the first leg at the Emirates last week after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch during away games at Copenhagen and Lazio in this season’s competition.
That’s why, in the 14th minute of the second leg, the Bayern faithful unfurled a banner that read: “We don’t like you either, exclude UEFA!” Get out of our stadium!’
And then in the first half a separate protest said: ’70 euros up to 150 euros for a seat.’ Any difference with Arsenal, who milk their fans like cows?
There is no love lost.
Bayern Munich fans won’t soon forget their recent fan ban, after putting up a banner during the match that read: “Is there any difference to Arsenal who milk their fans like cows?”
Arteta’s trip to Allianz
The previous time Arsenal beat Bayern at this stadium, on March 13, 2013, Arteta was the Gunners’ captain.
So he had previous experience of getting wins here. However, the rock atmosphere created at the Allianz Arena is difficult to replicate elsewhere.