UEFA Champions League: Tactical Analysis - Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich

Monreal’s fault in Szczesny’s sending off

Leaving those discussions aside, reviewing the incident, one can’t help but state that that chance shouldn’t have arised at all. Arjen Robben played a short pass to Toni Kroos in the centre, and the midfielder quickly played a delightful ball over the defence to match Robben’s run from the give-and-go. Now Robben was well onside but Nacho Monreal shouldn’t have let Robben make that run. As a defender, it was his job to track the Dutchman’s movement and prevent him from getting a clean touch towards goal. It was a schoolboy error that allowed Robben to swift past the Arsenal back-line.

The smallest lack of concentration can prove decisive, and Arsenal paid a hefty price for Monreal’s error in judgement. It was again, a small error, but that sending off prevented Arsenal from going forward and taking this game, and ultimately allowed Bayern to run away with it. Two small incidents, two huge repercussions.

Where does this leave them?

Arsenal will have it all to do in the second leg. They will be encouraged by their performance there last season. It’s a difficult game to turnaround, but they’ll have to ‘believe’.

For Bayern, they’ll do their utmost to ensure there isn’t a repeat of last season. Guardiola is not someone who will allow another 2-0 defeat at home against the same side. A tactical battle will ensue, and for neutrals – an attacking display from both ends.