Arsenal plummeted out of Champions League, losing the second leg 5-1 on the day, and 10-2 on aggregate. Their exit was all but confirmed with the first-leg loss, but what did we learn from this one?
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1. Laurent Koscielny is Arsenal’s most important defender
This isn’t necessarily new information, but Laurent Koscielny’s role in the two matches against Bayern proved just how important he is to this team.
Arsenal were right in it in the first leg until Koscielny came off injured, but things immediately fell apart as soon as he left the pitch. His harsh dismissal against Bayern had the same effect. It wasn’t just going down a man, Arsenal depend on his organization, leadership and ability to read the game. Without him, they’re just bad.
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2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a bright future in the center of midfield
Not too many Arsenal players covered themselves in glory over the two legs, but The Ox was one of the few who could walk out of the tie with some pride.
Wenger once deployed Oxlade-Chamberlain in the center of midfield, and once again he showed how good he can be in that role. His energy, quality on the ball and work rate all showed through against Bayern.
Ian Walton
3. It’s clear Olivier Giroud isn’t Champions League quality
It’s impossible to blame Olivier Giroud for Arsenal’s struggles on the day, and he wasn’t even meant to start this match. But it’s painfully obvious that, as useful of a player as he is, Giroud simply isn’t up to the level of a team expecting to challenge for the Champions League.
Giroud is a fantastic squad player, a hard worker, and he’s scored some important goals. But as long as he’s starting important games in Europe, it’s a sign that Arsenal just aren’t good enough.
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4. Thiago ran the show once again
Thiago Alcantara’s been fantastic all season for Bayern, and he dominated Arsenal once again in London. His skill, vision and execution are among the best in the world right now, and Arsenal just didn’t have an answer for him.
5. Bayern were dominant, but some cracks showed
The final score will show just how much better Bayern are than Arsenal, but it wasn’t completely straightforward. The Gunners had their chances in the first half, and Bayern’s defense looked shaky at times, especially when caught on the break. They’re deservedly through to the next round, but they’ll need to tighten it up at the back if their success is to continue.
6. Arjen Robben is still a boss
Arjen Robben is 33 years old and he’s still balling. His signature move hasn’t changed in over a decade, but it still somehow works almost every time, he’s nearly unstoppable on the dribble, and he also doesn’t look like he’s aged since he was 23 years old. Injuries have kept him in and out of play for his entire career, but there’s no doubting his ability when he’s healthy.
Right now he’s healthy, and that spells disaster for opposition.
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