If there are any doubters as to the unpredictable nature of modern day football, such skeptics should be made to watch yesterday’s UEFA Champions League encounter between Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Having lost their two opening group games, Arsenal needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. To avoid a third straight win, they had to bring the goods against one of Europe’s toughest oppositions – Bayern Munich.
Bayern started the season brightly, routinely thrashing opposition with little or no mercy. Their impressive run was ended yesterday with a 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
Despite starting brightly and moving the ball around quickly, Bayern always looked vulnerable on the break, playing a high line and still showing defensive frailties.
Bayern passed all night long with no real intent and it took a Theo Walcott point blank header to breathe some intent into the game. Manuel Neuer once again proved why he’s undoubtedly one of the best goalies in the world, pulling off a save from point blank range.
Ironically, Manuel Neuer proved to be the villain when Arsenal pounced, rushing out needlessly and failing to get a hand to the set piece, allowed Giroud to pounce for Arsenal’s first goal.
The game lost some momentum afterwards until a fantastic interception from Bellerin started a brilliant counter which led to the second goal.
This result will definitely have Bayen Munich’s coach scratching his head and wondering how far his team can go in this competition if they do not avoid getting exploited on the break.