Arsenal vs Bayern Munich: Player ratings

Arsenal‘s miserable run of 8 years without a trophy seems all set to continue after their comprehensive loss to Bayern Munich, where they conceded three vital ‘away’ goals to the German club, while scoring only one in return. With Theo Walcott leading the attack in place of Giroud, much of Arsenal’s attacking play was hindered with backward passing, and let Bayern capitalise. Arsenal’s only goal came after the referee had wrongly awarded a corner to the home side, and gave them a sense of hope which was shattered soon after. It was a game almost entirely controlled by the away side, and here’s how the players fared.

Man of the match – Toni Kroos

Arsenal

Wojciech Szczesny– 5

Did well to deal with balls that were played into the box from wide areas. Could have done better on the first two goals, especially the second one, which he parried weakly and allowed Muller to take advantage.

Bacary Sagna – 5.5

Showed great attacking intent in spite of being pegged back by Ribery’s presence, and should have had an assist if not for Bayern’s excellent defending. Did make a couple of risky tackles.

Per Mertesacker – 4

A below par showing from the defender, especially when Mandzukic was on the pitch. Could have done better to come out and block the first goal from Kroos, and put pressure on van Buyten for the second. Had a volley blocked in the first half, which was Arsenal’s best chance over that period.

Laurent Koscielny –5

A decent performance from the centre-back, who kept pace with Muller’s movements well, considering that he, Ribery and Mandzukic were often interchanging positions. Couldn’t do much to stop any of the goals, except perhaps the third, which was off a lucky touch for Mandzukic any way.

Thomas Vermaelen –4.5

Got booked early in the game, and required the constant help of Koscielny thereafter. Did not stick wide, and let crosses from Lahm come in too easily. Could have also done better with handling Muller for the cross which led to the first goal.

Mikel Arteta – 5.5

Did not get a foothold in the game, with the pace at which Bayern played. Often engaged in chasing Bayern players, but never really participated too effectively in an Arsenal attack.

Jack Wilshere – 6.5

The best player on the pitch for the home side, but was repeatedly felled by the opposition. None of the players around him were strong enough to hold off Bayern, and much of his clever passing came to nothing. His corner, however, was turned in by Podolski for the goal.

Aaron Ramsey – 5

Overwhelmed by the occasion, and was yet another Arsenal player often chasing shadows. Did very little to aid attack either, except for a couple of forays down the right flank.

Santi Cazorla – 6

Calm and composed on the ball, but had too few opportunities to make use of. Was played on the right side, and made attempts at moving towards centre, but was often unsuccessful.

Lukas Podolski –6

Got lucky with the goal, as the ball came to him with no one guarding the Bayern net. Was effervescent in attack the rest of the game as well, but managed too few good efforts at target.

Theo Walcott – 5

Ineffective in his role in the centre of attack. Seen out fairly easily by van Buyten and Dante even though he made a couple of good runs from midfield.

Substitutes:

Olivier Giroud (Podolski 71?) – 5.5

Had a good chance to score right after he came on, but directed his volley straight at Neuer.

Tomas Rosicky (Ramsey 71?) – N/A

Kept the game ticking, and had to perform more defensive duties than he would have liked to.

Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer – 5.5

Made a few good, but relatively easy saves. Was at fault for Arsenal’s goal when he came off his line to get the ball, but gave up halfway and just stood there, instead of retreating to his line.

Phillip Lahm – 7.5

Excellent overall performance from the full back, especially in an attacking role. Had some excellent crosses, one of which was sent merely inches wide of goal by Mandzukic, and another which led to the striker’s goal.

Dante – 6.5

Dealt well with the pace of Walcott, and had very little to do for most of the game. Cutting out crosses into the box was another great feature.

Daniel van Buyten – 7

A towering presence at the back. Made sure that no shots got past him with a couple of excellent blocks. Also got a well-directed header from the near post which led to Muller’s goal.

David Alaba – 6.5

Held off Sagna well, and later Walcott when he switched briefly to the right flank. Was helped out by his teammates when he got a bit too narrow at times.

Javi Martinez –7

Excellent carrying out of defensive responsibilities from the midfielder. Was instrumental in stopping Wilshere and Arteta, without fouling either too often.

Bastian Schweinsteiger – 6.5

Also instrumental in stopping Arsenal’s attacks through the centre. Was slightly more prone to committing fouls though, and received a booking which causes him to miss the return leg.

Thomas Muller - 7

Got lucky with the cross which led to Kroos’ goal, and had the presence of mind to react first when Szczesny parried the ball right in front of him. Made defensive contributions as well, allowing Lahm to breathe easy.

Franck Ribery – 6.5

Not as direct and effective as he could have been, but played some excellent passes. Played in more of a wandering role, than his usual one down the left flank, but was effective overall.

Toni Kroos – 8

Excellent performance from the young striker. The technique on the volley which resulted in a goal was nigh perfect, and some excellent skills earned Bayern a couple of set pieces in dangerous areas.

Mario Mandzukic – 6.5

Occupied the Arsenal defenders with his running, but did very little personally to contribute in attack. Sent a header just wide before the half-time break, and wasn’t entirely aware of how he scored his goal.

Substitutes

Arjen Robben (Ribery 63?) – 6.5

Good performance from the Dutch star. Had the vision to pick out Lahm for providing the cross which led to Bayern’s third goal, and ran well with the ball at his feet.

Luiz Gustavo (Kroos 73?) – N/A

Brought on to contain Arsenal after having restored a 2-goal cushion, and did just that, reducing Arsenal to playing through wide areas.

Mario Gomez (Mandzukic 78?) – N/A

Nearly got a goal when a shot deflected off him and drew a diving save of Szczesny, before he sent the rebound blazing over. Had a couple other half chances, and was overall more effective than Mandzukic.