The North Londoners were completely mutilated at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, as Bayern Munich ran out 5-1 winners in the first leg of their Champions League last-16.
The hosts put themselves in front first as Robben opened the scoring on the 11th minute with a trademark screamer that sailed well beyond Ospina’s reach into the top corner, but Arsenal got themselves back into the game despite being the 2nd best team on the pitch. A contentious penalty at the half hour mark after Lewandowski kicked Koscielny while attempting to clear gave Sanchez the chance to help Arsenal draw level, and despite Neuer’s effort in making a save, the Chilean brilliantly put the rebound into the net.
Heading into the break levelled gave Arsenal real hope, but things fell apart when play resumed, with Lewandowski heading Ancelotti’s men back into the lead after he outjumped Mustafi to connect with Lahm’s cross.
Alcantra made things worse later on, securing a brace in 7 minutes, with one taking a deflection off Granit Xhaka to leave Ospina helpless. Arsenal couldn’t find a way back into the game, as their defence fell apart the moment Koscielny succumbed to a knock minutes after 2nd half started.
And while a 4-1 scoreline looked manageable and not too bad a salvageable result ahead of March 7’s return leg, Muller came off the bench to deal a heavy blow on Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals since 2010.
Ospina
Made at least 3 superb saves that kept the scoreline somewhat respectable.
Cech couldn’t have done more.
Rating : 6/10
Bellerin
As expected, he was limited in attack and often struggled badly against Costa and Alaba.
Rating : 4/10
Mustafi
Despite some few struggles at the back after Koscielny was withdrawn, he made some brilliant tackles and interceptions here and there, but the hosts’ attack was too overwhelming to contain.
Rating : 5/10
Koscielny
It’s believed Arsenal wouldn’t have been at the receiving end of 4 second half goals if the French defender hadn’t succumbed to a knock.
Made an excellent last-ditch tackle on Lewandowski to deny the Pole from going one-on-one with the scores at 1-1 after winning the penalty.
Rating : 6/10
Gibbs
Unfortunately, we will never find out if Monreal wouldn’t have allowed Robben to run circles around him, but clearly, his replacement at the left was made to look like a school boy by Lahm and the Dutch.
Rating : 4/10
Xhaka
Had a great chance to put Arsenal ahead minutes to half-time but could only direct his shot at Neuer.
Was nowhere at his best against the Vidal-Alonso combo.
Rating : 4/10
Coquelin
Failed to make a single tackle all 90 minutes.
It was that bad a performance from a supposed shield.
Rating : 4/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain
Was dispossessed in the buildup to the 5th goal but that really didn’t matter as the hosts already did enough damage.
Few runs at the front that resulted in nothing.
Rating : 4/10
Ozil
Was missing in the 2nd half but had an average 1st period and had he scored from an effort smartly saved by Neuer, things might have been different in the end.
Rating : 4/10
Iwobi
Surprisingly wasn’t withdrawn immediately after 1st half as he was largely missing, with the big occasion too much for him to handle.
Rating : 4/10
Alexis
Scored a great rebound to make up for his penalty save but was not able to do much in the 2nd half as he was starved of services.
Rating : 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Gabriel
Replaced Koscielny and the Germans ran riot from that moment, with the Brazilian left struggling.
Rating : 4/10
Giroud
Not much could be done in 15 minutes by the French striker who had to do more defending than attacking.
Rating : 4/10
Walcott
Replaced Iwobi with some 30 minutes to go but he hardly saw the ball as Bayern were busy dominating.
Rating : 4/10