Arsenal super-subs to the rescue after defensive disasters

Mikel Arteta's impactful substitutes save the day! Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus equalize for the Gunners following defensive errors from William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arsenal's renowned defensive resilience, which has earned them praise in recent months, was notably absent during Tuesday night's match, leaving fans and pundits disappointed despite securing a draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. While a draw against such formidable opponents might typically be celebrated, Arsenal will likely rue missed opportunities as they reflect on their defensive lapses.

Match Report (Details including Stats)

The match began promisingly for Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka's impressive goal putting them ahead within the first 12 minutes. Their initial success was attributed to their high-intensity play and aggressive pressing, which forced Bayern into costly mistakes. However, their early lead was soon undermined as defensive errors allowed Bayern's Harry Kane and his teammates to capitalize.

Serge Gnabry exploited defensive lapses to equalize for Bayern, taking advantage of a breakdown in communication between Arsenal defenders, particularly Ben White. Matters worsened for Arsenal when a mistimed challenge by William Saliba led to a penalty, which Kane converted confidently to give Bayern the lead.

The sequence of events highlighted Arsenal's inability to maintain their defensive solidity throughout the match, contrasting sharply with their reputation for disciplined defending in recent fixtures. Despite a strong start, their failure to sustain defensive focus ultimately cost them a more favorable result.

As the second half progressed, it appeared that Bayern Munich ("Die Roten") would maintain their lead, causing the once-electric atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium to dim with fading hope among the Arsenal faithful. However, a turning point occurred when two substitutes, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, combined effectively, culminating in a composed finish by Trossard to level the score.

This crucial goal ensured that both teams will enter the decisive second leg on equal footing. Yet, Arsenal had a chance to seize victory in the dying moments of the match when Bukayo Saka found himself in a clear scoring opportunity. However, rather than attempting a shot, the English winger collided with Manuel Neuer, the Bayern goalkeeper, resulting in penalty appeals from Arsenal that were ultimately dismissed by the officials.

The late drama encapsulated the tension and excitement of the match, with Arsenal narrowly missing out on a potential late winner. While the draw keeps the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, Arsenal may rue the missed opportunity to secure a victory on home turf.

Match video Highlight (Arsenal vs Bayern Munich)

Arsenal's players rating from the Emirates Stadium

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (5/10):

Raya's decision to come off his line for the first goal was questionable, as it seemed unnecessary. Additionally, he was completely deceived by Harry Kane's penalty, contributing to Arsenal's defensive woes.

Ben White (5/10):

White missed a significant opportunity to prevent Bayern's equalizer and was also culpable for Serge Gnabry's goal. His performance didn't showcase the defensive prowess he's capable of, leaving room for improvement.

William Saliba (4/10):

Saliba's typically composed performance was notably absent, with his involvement in conceding the penalty epitomizing a challenging evening for him. He seemed to struggle to maintain his usual standards under the pressure of the match.

Gabriel Magalhaes (4/10):

Gabriel made critical errors leading to both goals, displaying a lack of concentration and composure. His performance was below par, contributing to Arsenal's defensive struggles throughout the game.

Jakub Kiwior (5/10):

Kiwior was easily beaten by Leroy Sané, whose run led to the penalty. His contribution was limited, leading to his substitution for Zinchenko at halftime. Overall, his performance was underwhelming and failed to make a significant impact on the game.
The defensive unit as a whole struggled to contain Bayern's attacks and were at fault for the goals conceded. Their lack of solidity and individual errors undermined Arsenal's defensive efforts, resulting in a disappointing performance.

Midfield Ratings

Jorginho (5/10):

Jorginho struggled to exert his usual influence in midfield, displaying a lack of control and making some unnecessary giveaways. Additionally, he appeared to be slightly off the pace when out of possession, failing to provide the defensive solidity Arsenal needed.

Declan Rice (5/10):

Rice seemed somewhat disconnected from the action in the first half, prompting suggestions that he may be more effective when deployed in a deeper midfield role. His performance left room for improvement, particularly in terms of his involvement in the game's buildup and defensive contributions.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Odegaard stood out as Arsenal's most dynamic creative force in midfield, playing a pivotal role in the team's attacking endeavors throughout the match. His influence was evident in nearly every positive aspect of Arsenal's play, showcasing his ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Despite Odegaard's contributions, the midfield as a whole struggled to assert control over the game, with Jorginho and Rice failing to consistently impose themselves on the match. Odegaard's performance was a bright spot amid an otherwise lackluster midfield display for Arsenal.

Attack Ratings

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

Saka showcased his talent with a superb finish early in the game, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion. However, he faced limited opportunities thereafter and perhaps should have taken a shot towards the end of the match, leaving some observers puzzled by his decision-making.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Havertz delivered another strong performance in the attack, with his effective link-up play contributing positively to Arsenal's gameplay. Notably, his interception led to Saka's goal, highlighting his defensive contribution as well. Havertz displayed an impressive work rate throughout the match, earning praise for his efforts.

Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):

Martinelli struggled to make an impact on the game, finding himself largely neutralized by Bayern's Joshua Kimmich. His performance fell short of expectations, as he failed to assert himself in the attacking third and was unable to trouble Bayern's defense effectively.
Despite Havertz's commendable efforts, Arsenal's attack as a whole faced challenges, with Martinelli's subdued performance contributing to their struggles to break down Bayern's defense consistently. Saka's early goal provided a glimpse of attacking prowess, but the

Substitutes & Manager Ratings

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Zinchenko made a positive impact after coming on, displaying some impressive touches and demonstrating versatility by adapting well to different positions. Considering his contribution, it wouldn't be surprising to see him earn a starting spot in the second leg ahead of Kiwior.

Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

Jesus injected much-needed energy and creativity into Arsenal's attack upon his introduction. His remarkable footwork led to a crucial assist, providing the team with a moment of brilliance when it was needed most.

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Trossard made an immediate impact off the bench, showcasing his clinical finishing ability by scoring a crucial goal to level the score. His composure and effectiveness in front of goal highlighted his value as a substitute.

Mikel Arteta (6/10):

Arteta's European knockout record at the Emirates Stadium may be less than stellar, but he deserves credit for his proactive approach in making substitutions. His tactical adjustments paid off, as evidenced by the impact of the substitutes who combined to secure the equalizer. Despite the mixed results, Arteta's willingness to adapt and make changes demonstrates his managerial acumen and ability to influence matches from the sidelines.