Champions League Group F, Emirates Stadium – Arsenal 2 (Giroud 77, Ozil 90+4)Bayern Munich 0
Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil were on target as Arsenal staged a dramatic late show to reignite their Champions League hopes with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich.
The Gunners were forced to play on the counter attack for long spells as the visitors bossed possession, but Arsene Wenger's men struck twice in the last 13 minutes to throw qualification from Group F wide open.
The Gunners were forced to play on the counter attack for long spells as the visitors bossed possession, but Arsene Wenger's men struck twice in the last 13 minutes to throw qualification from Group F wide open.
Bayern stopper Manuel Neuer had produced a quite sensational first-half save to keep out Theo Walcott's goalbound header but he was at fault for the opener as he completely missed Santi Cazorla's whipped free kick, allowing substitute Giroud to bundle home with what appeared to be his arm.
Pep Guardiola's side dominated throughout but couldn't find a way past the hugely impressive Petr Cech, and they were undone again deep into stoppage time when Ozil tucked away Hector Bellerin's cutback despite more attempts at heroics from Neuer.
The result brings an end to Bayern's 12-match winning streak and moves Arsenal to within three points of the group leaders ahead of their trip to the Allianz Arena on November 4.
KEY MOMENTS
8' - ARSENAL CHANCE! Ozil manages to finds space on the right edge of the area and drill in a low shot that Neuer is forced to push away. Walcott tries to convert the follow-up from a tight angle but sees his attempt is well blocked.
8' - ARSENAL CHANCE! Ozil manages to finds space on the right edge of the area and drill in a low shot that Neuer is forced to push away. Walcott tries to convert the follow-up from a tight angle but sees his attempt is well blocked.
11' - BAYERN MUNICH CHANCE! This time it's Cech's turn. Alonso orchestrates from deep, feeding Thiago in the hole who exchanges a lovely one-two with Muller before seeing his whipped shot beaten away by the Gunners stopper.
33' - WHAT. A. SAVE! Neuer produces a miracle save from nigh on point blank range to claw Walcott's free header away after a delicious cross on the run from Monrealbegged to be put away.
52' - BAYERN MUNICH CHANCE!! Douglas Costa drops his shoulder and leaves Coquelin for dead before fizzing a fine strike inches over the crossbar from 25 yards out.
75' - BAYERN MUNICH CHANCE! Lewandowski is played in by Costa but the big Pole can't get his shot beyond Cech who manages to divert it away. Fine goalkeeping.
77' - GOAL! ARSENAL 1-0 BAYERN MUNICH. Arsenal lead!!!! Giroud comes off the bench and scores within three minutes. Neuer comes for Cazorla's whipped free kick and completely misses it, allowing Giroud to bundle it home via what looked like his arm... Arsenal won't care though!
90+4' - ARSENAL 2-0 BAYERN MUNICH. Arsenal seal it! Ozil's simple finish from Bellerin's cross is ruled over the line despite the efforts of Neuer. Arsenal's CL hopes are very much alive!
KEY STATS
Olivier Giroud's last four goals in all competitions have been as a substitute.
Theo Walcott is the eighth player to play 50 Champions League games for Arsenal.
Arsenal have never lost three consecutive games in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich have won only one of their last six away games in the Champions League.
(Stats courtesy of Opta and Infostrada)
TALKING POINT. An extreme high and low for Neuer. The Germany number one is widely regarded as the best stopper on the planet and his one-handed save to claw back Walcott's goalbound header certainly had both punters and pundits rushing to lavish him with plaudits. But it all went sour with a howler that ultimately cost his side the game for Giroud's goal - despite another unbelievable attempt to keep out Ozil's stoppage time clincher.
MAN OF THE MATCH.
Petr Cech (Arsenal). The Gunners keeper produced a flawless display, making key saves as Bayern pressed. Neuer's repertoire may well have been more eye-catching but there's no doubt which stopper's steady contribution was key to the final outcome of the game.
0 comments:
Post a Comment