Why Arsenal fans should be hopeful ahead of UCL clash with Bayern Munich
As we all know, the Gunners have been drawn against German giants Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions.
The Bavarians have been our worst nightmare in the Champions League as three of our heaviest defeats in the competition have come against them.
4 – Arsenal’s heaviest defeats in their history in European competition (all in the UEFA Champions League):
0-4 v Milan in 2011-12
1-5 v Bayern in 2015-16
1-5 v Bayern in 2016-17 (1st leg)
1-5 v Bayern in 2016-17 (2nd leg)Hierarchy. pic.twitter.com/0StwGpLhml
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 15, 2024
This abysmal record would worry anyone heading into the two legged-tie but there is a cause for optimism.
The Bundesliga reigning champions haven’t played well all season, are on the verge of losing the league title for the first time since the 2011/2012 season, although they came close last season. They were also knocked out of the German Cup by a lower division side, and haven’t been convincing in the UCL.
They could have been knocked out by Lazio in the last round if Ciro Immobile had been more clinical, while we were also made to work our socks off by Porto, there is no denying that Bayern Munich are as vulnerable as ever, particularly defensively.
They conceded six goals in the group stages despite facing weaker opposition in Manchester United, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray.
Last month, they lost to a poor Bochum side and conceded three goals in the encounter- the defensive frailty is there for all to see!
In contrast, Arsenal have been playing arguably the best football in Europe, scoring for fun and keeping opposition attacks at bay and as a result are a match for any side in European football at the moment.
We should also be encouraged by the fact the German side will have no traveling supporters for the first leg with Uefa banning their fans from traveling to away games after the reprehensible behavior they displayed against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
If we can secure a healthy lead in the first leg, it will put more pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s side heading into the game at Allianz Arena where they have also shown vulnerability, losing 1-0 to Werder Bremen in January.
If there was ever a time we could beat Bayern Munich, it is now!
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
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yes, agreed, Bayern are not what they once were and results from 2017 irrelevant with crossover with our current starting XI
I wasn’t aware of their travelling support ban, may be a little bonus
so while not the easiest draw for the quarters, by no means the toughest either
that said we have landed in the wrong half of the with Man C or Real standing in our way, but you have to beat the best to be the best
Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in the next round of the champions league. The journalist with magical exclusive powers has also confirmed that Arsenal will play at home in the first leg.
Kane is a world-class finisher and possesses a very good hold-up play/ aerial abilities, but he’s no longer able to do high-press consistently due to his age
It could make us win the ball possession in the games
This one is written in the sky, am waiting with bated breath.
Heven too must be on our side, no Bryan fans allowed and with the German Champion leaking goals like an old sieve, we have nothing to lose neither anything to fear.
It’s a tale of two sides one clearly on the up and the other in regression.
I only want to edge past them (rather than comprehensively batter them) preferably by a dubious penalty and a deflected free kick allowing Kane to score his customary goal and get a draw at Bayern. I want to hear the Bayern team moaning about the result and us just the same way, as we moaned after going out to them on away goals rule despite beating them 2-0 at their stadium. That year Bayern went to win the CL. I want us to do the same preferably against the dark arts masters as I remember the EL semi-final encounter.
Of course it is all wishful thinking.
Funny how we twist things
They haven’t played well this season because they might not win their title but we haven’t won our title in two decades
They have been more convincing then us in the CL
Didn’t lose in their group and won their last 16 tie 3-1
We got through on pens
Watch out Jorginho, that world class Joshua Kimmich don’t tear you to shreds in midfield. I am nervous that if Kimmich plays Munich will run the midfield. Need to get Partey at his best to partner Rice in midfield then after 10 minutes of the second half rest Partey for fresher legs in Jorginho.
daveg
Maybe you are right, maybe you are wrong
Jorginho has done well at home against United, City and Liverpool
To be honest, I would be surprised if we don’t knock Bayern Munich out
In the first leg, we should just press them as hard as possible and take advantage. In the second leg, just be compact and beat them on Counter
In both legs, we should target Upamecano. He is full of blunders
We had better take a good lead to the Allianz Arena, they haven’t lost a UCL game there since 2013 I believe and we don’t exactly have a great record in Europe. We can win this one but it won’t be easy, they might have a leaky defence but possess a lot of firepower upfront. 13 goals in their last two Bundesliga games. Should be a great tie for the neutral.