Five Things Learnt from Arsenal vs Munich
The Gunners shock German giants at Emirates Stadium
Goals from Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil gave Arsenal a shock win against Bayern Munich last night, ending the German’s 12-game run unbeaten.
The Gunners went into the game knowing only a win would do after losing to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos in earlier game-weeks.
Despite the visitors having 70% possession, they couldn’t find a way past Petr Cech, who was playing his first Champions League game for the North London side.
Second-half goals from Giroud and Ozil gave Arsene Wenger‘s men the vital and impressive victory, but here are the Five Things that stood out most for us.
5) Manuel Neuer is Human
After making an astonishing save to deny Theo Walcott in the first-half, Manuel Neuer has proven he is human after-all with an error leading to Olivier Giroud’s goal.
The German came rushing out of his goal to deal with a set-piece, but got it all wrong and missed the ball completely, leaving Giroud to head into an empty net.
Neuer is known for his crazy antics, and this was just another one of those moments, but sadly for him, he got it wrong.
After the game he admitted he played well, but also admitted it was his fault his side lost.
4) Always Play Petr Cech
Will Arsene Wenger be regretting his decision to play David Ospina in the first two games?
Petr Cech just adds so much confidence to this Arsenal team. He’s still a world-class ‘keeper and the players in front of him perform better when he’s there.
You can’t blame the two losses beforehand all on Ospina, but you’ve got to wonder what the story would be if Cech had played both games.
Once again put in a top display against a top team and has another clean-sheet to his name.
3) Arsenal Can Beat Big Teams
Manchester City away. Manchester United home and away. Bayern Munich home.
Results that you’d rarely see Arsenal pick up, but they have seemingly found a way to win the big matches now.
Another stunning display from them last night saw them null out the Munich threat and saw them pick up the vital three points whilst keeping a clean-sheet in the process.
It’s not always about playing lovely, attacking football. To win trophies, you have to win games in an ugly manner, and that’s what Arsenal are learning to do.
Having said that, two superb displays against United and now Munich.
2) Olivier Giroud – The Super Sub
Olivier Giroud has found a new role. The Super Sub.
He came on in games against Leicester City, Watford and Bayern Munich and has scored in all of them.
Giroud has lost his starting spot to Theo Walcott, but he’s proving that he still has what it takes whenever he comes onto the pitch.
Albeit a fortunate goal off his face, they all count and Giroud can be satisfied with scoring the winner against Bayern Munich last night.
Maybe he is more useful when coming into the game and changing the way Arsenal play.
1) Mesut Ozil is Here
Now we’ve always rated Mesut Ozil, but many football fans have not and have harshly labelled him ‘The Invisible Man’.
Well he’s finally showing his true colours for Arsenal and is finally having impacts on matches on a regular basis.
Two assists and a goal against Manchester United, two assists against Watford and a goal last night against Bayern Munich.
Ozil is finally proving why he cost the Gunners £42.5million.
The German is enjoying a great spell right now and Arsene Wenger will hope it continues.
So there are our Five Things from Arsenal’s win last night.
What stood out for you?
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt