Tuesday 7th March 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Arsenal v Bayern Munich Football – Europe – Champions League It’s rare that a second leg of a last 16 tie in the Champions League is virtually a dead rubber but that certainly appears to be the case in this one. Bayern Munich dismantled Arsene Wenger’s team at the Allianz Stadium, running out 5-1 winners and all but guaranteeing their place in another quarter final. For Arsenal this is all about attempting to save some face but there is a distinct feeling that change is coming for the club and if speculation is to be believed then there is a chance that Tuesday may mark Wenger’s last game in this competition for the Gunners.
Having topped their section in the group stage Arsenal were hoping that they would have been rewarded with a kinder draw for this round, so they have been a touch unfortunate in the fact they drew one of the giants of European football who surprisingly finished second. That’s where the hard luck story ends, though, as they were simply outplayed, out battled and out thought over in Germany. Alexis Sanchez’ equalizer looked to have given Arsenal hope that they were able to compete against Bayern but that was quickly extinguished with four second half goals from the home team going unanswered. Wenger looked disconsolate – arguably more so than ever before. He is coming under increasing pressure to make way for a new man this summer and it’s certainly looking more likely than ever before. There have been reports of dressing room unrest involving Sanchez and who was dropped from the starting eleven against Liverpool at the weekend, in what turned out to be another disappointing defeat in a big game.
Bayern have the luxury of coming into this game knowing that they can afford to lose it 4-0 and still qualify. Whilst that will be certainly not be on their agenda it’s an indication as to how dominant they were in the first leg as they once again displayed a superior quality and standard than Arsenal were able to offer. I mentioned in my preview for the game in Munich that Bayern were just beginning to find their stride and felt Carlo Ancelotti was priming his team for an end of season charge on all fronts – and that definitely appears to be the case going by the performance and result. Arjen Robben has returned to his very best in recent weeks scoring four and creating a whole load more since the resumption of the German campaign from the winter break and he could be the key to his team’s success in this competition. The Dutchman only played a bit part last season but if they are able to keep him fit he offers a wealth of ability and experience, but more importantly a different type of threat. One man who has certainly appreciated his return to fitness is Robert Lewandowski. The prolific marksman has scored 10 in 10 in 2017 thus far, including seven in his last four. He will also be pivotal to Bayern’s success in Europe, you feel.
Arsenal v Bayern Munich Betting Tip
It is a difficult game for Arsenal to approach in the sense that they essentially hold no realistic hope of going through this tie but the atmosphere surrounding the club is such that the team have to be seen to be going for this from the off. The home supporters will want to see the passion, desire and fight that has been absent so often from the Gunners’ performances for a number of years. At the same time, Wenger must be fearful of getting another heavy defeat if the hosts go all out to win the game, leaving space for Bayern to exploit on the break. For the visitors, it’s all about finishing the job and turning in a professional display as they prepare for what will almost certainly be a more difficult tie in the quarter finals.
Arsenal’s home record in the Champions League is fair to good but that they have lost three of their last nine in the competition. One of those wins came back in 2015 when the defeated Bayern 2-0 in the group stage and I would suggest that would be seen as a victory for them this evening even if it means exiting the tournament. Interestingly, when the away team score at the Emirates it rarely ends in a home win. In the last 19 home games in the Champions League, the opposition has scored in 10 of them and Arsenal have won only one of those games. I simply cannot see Bayern not scoring this evening but Arsenal also have a goal in them so advise backing Bayern to win and both teams to score.
Bayern to win and both teams to score 23/10 @ William Hill
