How Bayern's bullying of Arsenal reflected deepest flaws of Arsene Wenger's team over the past decade
Sanchez must be the contract priority
It was just about his least-convincing goal of the season but, having now reached the tally of 20 with his first-half equaliser, Alexis Sanchez again showed glimpses of his worth to Arsenal.
It is not simply those goals but his work-rate, his attitude and the way he plays with no hint of inferiority against even the best teams in the world.
It is an example and mentality that Arsenal can ill-afford to lose from their squad next season.
Sanchez is understood to want £250,000-a-week to sign a new contract and, if that means offering Mesut Ozil less and risks losing the German, so be it. Ozil is sometimes influential but Sanchez is utterly vital.
Arsenal selection played into Bayern's hands
It is hard to think of a better right-sided partnership in football than Philipp Lahm and Arjen Robben and so the decision to counter them with Alexi Iwobi and Kieran Gibbs instantly felt fraught with danger.
Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck would have provided more defensive security and big-game experience.
FC Bayern vs Arsenal shots on goal
Bayern quickly targeted that area and Robben duly cut inside and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
It was a brilliant finish but Gibbs was hardly helped by the midfield cover. Francis Coquelin backed away and, with Arsene Wenger sticking to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, Arsenal failed to sufficiently pressurise Bayern in possession.
FC Bayern 1 - 0 Arsenal (Arjen Robben, 11 min)
Lack of physicality (and height) again critical
Just as against Chelsea, Arsenal looked physically inferior at the critical moments. Laurent Koscielny’s injury seemed to destroy their defensive confidence and they were then bullied by Robert Lewandowski during a truly torrid 10 minute period that reflected the very deepest flaws of Arsene Wenger’s team over the past decade.
FC Bayern vs Arsenal shots on goal
Gabriel’s arrival next to Shkodran Mustafi coincided with defensive panic and, while little direct blame could be attributed to David Ospina, might the presence of Petr Cech have steadied them?
They could certainly have done with Olivier Giroud – as much for defensive set-pieces as an attacking outlet – and more should have been done to potentially get Per Mertesacker match ready for Lewandowski’s aerial threat.
Man of match
Thiago Alcantara
He helped set the midfield rhythm for Bayern as they dominated possession, but he was also deadly in attack. His run beyond the Arsenal defence for Bayern’s third was probably the decisive moment in the tie and, while fortuitous with the fourth, it was still a well-controlled strike into a crowded penalty area.
What Arsenal must do next
They must ensure that such a severe disappointment does not filter into the rest of the season. Sutton United on an artificial pitch is just about the biggest contrast they could now face and Wenger must take no chances in his team selection.
What Bayern must do next
Results have been solid enough but there has been disquiet over performances. This, however, could act as a springboard for their season. The all-round quality is clear and they now stand with Real Madrid as the obvious Champions League favourites.
