Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal

2-0, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 2013-03-13
Giroud 3,
Koscielny 86

A tie that was thought already settled turned out to be rather unsettled as we came immensely close to qualifying for the next round even though we'd lost quite severely at home. I have to admit that I did not think that we would manage to turn the game around, until about three minutes into the game, that is!

When we scored right at the start of the game I did not believe my eyes, it seemed as if it was a dream. Walcott was released down the right-hand side and provided a brilliant cross that was met by Olivier Giroud and the Frenchman smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range! And so it was that what had seemed unlikely had occurred, we were somehow back in the tie! However, after the goal Bayern Munich slowly took over the game and were a constant threat. Yet our defence held firm, even with the absence of both Vermaelen and Szczesny. It took approximately thirty minutes before we had another half-decent chance, as Walcott provided a cross similar to the one that Giroud had scored from,  but this time there was no team-mate who managed to reach it.

Right at the start of the second half Bayern Munich put further pressure on us and we had to settle with some counter-attacks. Walcott was ruled offside when he was actually onside and what made the situation even more disappointing was that he had got himself a truly good chance to score.
   As mentioned, Bayern Munich remained a constant threat and Fabianski made a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation with Robben with twenty minutes of the game to go. With ten minutes to go Gervinho put the ball just wide of the goal as Cazorla provided an amazing pass. Then chaos erupted as we put the goal into the back of the net for the second time, this time through Laurent Koscielny! There were some truly unbelievable scenes at the Allianz Arena as we only needed one more goal to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at their own turf!

Unfortunately the goal came too late for us and we found ourselves knocked out due to the away goal rule. However, we can be truly proud of our team, it is not every week that you beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena! We always seem to produce the best results when we've already been written off, sadly for two years in a row that has not been enough as we have been one goal away from qualifying for the next round in the Champions League. Now all that is left for us is that fourth place in the league, hopefully we can manage that at least!

Injury Update:
- Both Wilshere and Podolski missed out on this game, but they should not be away for a very long time.
- Szczesny did not feature in this game for some reason, he was replaced by Fabianski.
- Vermaelen was also mysteriously absent from this game.