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Arsenal logo
Champions League | Round-of-16
Feb 19, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
Bayern logo

1-3

Match Analysis: Arsenal 1-3 Bayern Munich

Match Analysis: Arsenal 1-3 Bayern Munich
© AP Photos
Sports Mole looks back over Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Bayern Munich have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League thanks to a 3-1 victory in the first leg of the match against Arsenal this evening.

Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller put the Germans in command before the break and despite a headed goal from Arsenal's Lukas Podolski, Bayern soon added a third through Mario Mandzukic.

Below, Sports Mole looks back over the action to see if Arsenal can argue that they deserved a more positive result.

Match statistics:

Arsenal:
Shots 8
On target 6
Possession 55%
Corners 2
Fouls 14

Bayern:
Shots 17
On target 9
Possession 45%
Corners 8
Fouls 17

Was the result fair?

Quite simply, it was men against boys at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal worked hard throughout and did cause a handful of problems - particularly in the second half - but they were well beaten in every aspect this evening. Bayern were quicker, sharper and much more clinical when it really mattered.

Arsenal's performance

It was the type of display that many Arsenal fans had probably been fearing heading into the encounter. There was no lack of effort, but when quality was needed, there was not much forthcoming. Some credit should go to Jack Wilshere though because he worked tirelessly throughout. Without him, the Arsenal midfield would look extremely ordinary.

Bayern's performance

Like the DIY product Ronseal, the Germans did exactly what he says on the tin. They played some slick passing football and took their chances. Then, when they didn't have the ball, the got among the Arsenal players and regained possession quickly. There was also a nasty side to their play, which all top sides require. On this performance, they will go close to winning the competition.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Philipp Lahm: It may seem strange to give a full-back this award in a 3-1 win, but the Bayern captain was outstanding tonight. While he is a more-than-capable defender, he got forward extremely well and caused numerous problems. He also claimed an assist for his side's third goal.

Biggest gaffe

Manuel Neuer was recently quoted as saying that he has been "bored" at times this season while keeping goal for Bayern. Well, when he did have something to do this evening, he was found wanting. Wilshere's corner was okay at best, but Neuer came and missed the ball, leaving Podolski with an easy header to score.

Referee's performance

The Norwegian referee was a little card happy this evening, but to be fair to Svein Oddvar Moen, most officials seem to be that way in the Champions League. Having said that, he could legitimately argue that all of his cautions were warranted. He did however get the decision to give a corner wrong which subsequently resulted in Arsenal's goal.

What next?

Arsenal: On Saturday the Gunners return to domestic action when Aston Villa visit North London.

Bayern: The Germans are also back in league action on the same day when they take on Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena.

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Bayern players celebrate after Toni Kroos gives them a 1-0 lead over Arsenal on February 19, 2013
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
QBayern651016
QCopenhagen62228
3Galatasaray61235
4Man Utd61144

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
QArsenal641113
QPSV62319
3Lens62228
4Sevilla60242

Group C

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QReal Madrid660018
QNapoli631210
3Braga61144
4Union Berlin60242

Group D

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QReal Sociedad633012
QInter Milan633012
3Benfica61144
4Salzburg61144

Group E

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QAtletico642014
QLazio631210
3Feyenoord62046
4Celtic61144

Group F

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QDortmund632111
QPSG62228
3AC Milan62228
4Newcastle61235

Group G

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QMan City660018
QRB Leipzig640212
3Young Boys61144
4Red Star60151

Group H

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QBarcelona640212
QPorto640212
3Shakhtar63039
4Antwerp61053


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