Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich was never in control against Arsenal in the Champions League, but did put in a battle for the first half.
After that, though….yikes.
The Gunners were dominant in the second half and efficiently
wore down the Bavarians, who were outplayed and outworked for the final 45 minutes. After enduring 24 minutes or so of a bend, but don’t break defensive posture, Bayern Munich snapped and allowed two goals.
Let’s dive into it…here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- This was the lineup that many fans wanted to see. Lennart Karl joining Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Serge Gnabry in the attack, Aleksandar Pavlović getting the nod over Leon Goretzka in the central midfield, and Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić at the outside-back positions.
- The only subtle tweak was Laimer on the left-side and Stanišić on the right-side. In retrospect, it was probably not the right move, but there was logic in the decision as Kompany probably wanted Laimer matched up with Bukayo Saka.
- The two teams took some time feeling each other out. Each had spurts of danger, but nothing was sustained in the early going.
- Manuel Neuer was very aggressive in coming out of goal (this would play a role later). At a minimum, he looked much more vibrant than he did last weekend vs. SC Freiburg.
- Slowly, though, Arsenal started to take control and take advantage of some questionable decision-making. It would peak with a goal from a corner in the 21st minute when Jurrien Timber put his head on an in-swinger from Saka. It was a good header, but one that Neuer should have stopped. The goalkeeper attempted to snuff out Timber by closing in on him, but the header evaded the Bayern Munich captain.
- It was an ominous feeling to see the goal play out the way it did — especially after how much has been made of set pieces over the last few days.
- Bayern Munich looked “off” and even a little unsettled. The normal rhythm to games for the Bavarians was not there.
- The absence of Luis Díaz was felt. He is a dynamic presence for the team and someone who can change games with the danger he presents.
- Bayern Munich looked shook after the goal and there was a lack energy in the squad…until Karl did it AGAIN!
- A long ball in from Kimmich found a streaking Gnabry, who one-touched a pass to his left over to Karl, whose one-touch shot whistled into the net. All of a sudden it was 1-1 and Bayern Munich had some juice.
- Karl’s movement and ability to find holes on the pitch is lethal. Defenders must hate having to mark him.
- In the 36th minute, Josip Stanišić found himself going in toward goal, but instead of playing either Olise or Karl, he took a poor-angle shot (maybe…if you want to give him the benefit of the doubt…a poorly played diagonal cross) that represented nothing more than a lost opportunity.
- Arsenal came out as the aggressor after halftime.
- Bayern Munich was SHAKY on set pieces.
- Arsenal was dominating the early part of the second half and had chance after chance, but could not convert. Bayern Munich needed a break (in a few different ways).
- Neuer came up big a few times in the middle of this barrage, but ultimately the squad was getting worn down.
- After more than 20 minutes of bending, though, Bayern Munich finally broke. Riccardo Calafiori whipped in a cross and found a hard-charging Noni Madueke, who won a battle for position with Laimer. The Austrian will likely rue that play as he normally does much better with those situations. The Gunners had all of the momentum and a 2-1 lead.
- Both Calafiori and Madueke came on as subs in the match.
- Yes, Declan Rice is bad dude…that is for sure. The 26-year-old midfielder was the best player on the pitch and played a massive role in the outcome (Try not to think about Bayern Munich — allegedly — being in the final two clubs to get him a couple of years back).
- Well, remember when we talked about Neuer being super-aggressive coming out of net? It would be the catalyst for Arsenal’s third goal when he whiffed on a ball 40 yard from goal, which allowed Gabriel Martinelli to glide in for an easy goal. What a boner! (The play, not the player!)
- One of the fears for the match was that Kane might get lost in the shuffle…which is exactly what happened. Kane was too often behind the play and unable to make much of an attacking impact. Yes, he helped defensively and in the build-up, but he is also the most dangerous scorer.
- Overall, the second half was a systemic ass kicking by Arsenal. Bayern Munich had nothing to offer the Gunners, who were superb in taking advantage of every Bayern Munich error. It was a bad look for the Bavarians, who looked spent and worn out by the 80th minute. This will not be a game to write home about, but it will be one to learn from. As good as the Bavarians have been, there is much room for improvement. While there will be ranting and raving, it just came down to this — Arsenal was the better team on the day. Bayern Munich will be fine, but does need to regroup. Thankfully, Kompany has the right mentality to get the team back on track without panicking. Let’s look for a big bounce-back against St. Pauli this weekend.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
When complaining about your boss backfires (World Soccer Talk)
There has been a lot of talk regarding the unhappiness of Real Madrid players under head coach Xabi Alonso. With rumors of growing disharmony and frustration, the club has made a decision — to back Alonso:
During Vinicius Junior‘s substitution in the Clasico match against Barcelona, Real Madrid’s issues surfaced even more prominently. The Brazilian reacted heatedly to being taken off the field, sparking considerable controversy. Moreover, Rodrygo and other stars also oppose Xabi Alonso’s leadership. With this in mind, the front office has reportedly made a decision.
According to Jose Felix Díaz in Diario AS, Real Madrid have informed the players that they support Xabi Alonso. The front office has clarified that it is the coach who makes decisions, silencing rumors about a possible early dismissal from the team. With this, the pressure now falls on the shoulders of the players, who must step up and turn their poor situation around if they want to keep their starting roles.
Following support from the front office, Xabi Alonso has been granted complete freedom to adjust the role of any player he feels is not performing at the top level. As a result, Vinicius and Rodrygo will compete for a starting spot in the lineup, having been the most criticized for their performances.
If true, it is a significant stance being taken by Real Madrid, but how long can it last? Players almost always win these battles. Even with the alleged support, Alonso cannot feel too secure.
LFC could be getting more serious about winter signing of Guéhi (ESPN)
Liverpool might be starting to sweat the rampant interest in Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi and might not shy away from making a January move to ensure that the club gets its man:
Interest in Marc Guéhi from around Europe could force Liverpool’s hand in January, as per Football Insider. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Internazionale are all ready to try and sign the England international on a free transfer next summer. However, Liverpool came so close signing the center back for £35 million back in August, the club may opt to skip the queue and pay a small fee to secure his services this winter. Indeed, Palace are open to a January deal if it means they avoid losing him on a free.
Sancho needs big pay cut to leave United (ESPN)
If Jadon Sancho wants to leave Manchester United, he will have to take a massive pay cut:
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has been told he must halve his £300,000-a-week salary if he wishes to return to Borussia Dortmund, according to The Daily Mirror. The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Aston Villa, where he has played just four times in the Premier League. He is reportedly keen to head back to Germany in a bid to get his career back on track, although it remains to be seen whether he’d be willing to take a substantial wage cut to make it happen.
Ter Stegen to Besiktas? (Sport via ESPN)
If Marc-André ter Stegen has to leave FC Barcelona, Besiktas would like to give him a new home:
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 33, could move to Besiktas on loan in January, with a permanent option.
Juve might want Maignan, too (Gazzetta dello Sport via ESPN)
Juventus could be poised to make a move for rumored Bayern Munich transfer target Mike Maignan:
Juventus have entered the race for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has recently been linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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