Arteta: Arsenal believe, but must learn from errors in Munich
MIKEL Arteta has warned Arsenal to learn from their costly mistakes in Tuesday’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich if they want to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta’s side ensured their quarter-final clash remains finely balanced thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late equaliser in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s old tormentor-in-chief Harry Kane had ignored a hostile reception from Gunners fans to mark his return to north London with the ice-cool penalty that put Bayern 2-1 up in the first half.
Former Tottenham striker Kane’s sixth career goal at the Emirates came after ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry cancelled out Bukayo Saka’s early opener for the Gunners.
It was a frustrating evening for Arsenal, who looked hesitant at times in their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.
The Premier League leaders have been in red-hot form this year, while Bayern have stumbled through a crisis-torn campaign.
But Arsenal’s status as favourites to advance to the last four was undone by some uncharacteristically sloppy defending.
Arteta urged his players to use the experience as a valuable tool to make amends in the second leg in Munich on April 17.
“We will go again in Munich. We are alive. The game became difficult, and they understand they have to step up the level,” he said.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel bemoaned a separate penalty incident that didn’t go his side’s way.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes inexplicably picked up the ball following a David Raya goal kick in the 66th minute.
Yet Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg opted against awarding a spot-kick.
But after a traumatic season that leaves Bayern almost certain to surrender the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel could have few complaints about his side’s battling display.
“It wasn’t easy, especially after we conceded early. The Arsenal fans were incredible, they pushed them. We scored with our first attack, and the body language and confidence changed,” he said.
“There are no away goals any more. We are happy with what we showed and we start from 0-0 next week.
“Next week, we will have the decision. It is only half-time.” | AFP