Mikel Arteta's key Arsenal lesson after Bayern Munich humbling as transfer need looms large
The key lesson Arsenal learn from this frustrating elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich is one of experience. As Arsenal embarked upon their first foray into the competition for more than half a decade, they overcame some significant challenges like Sevilla in Spain and that round of 16 test with FC Porto.
However, when it came to the two legs against Bayern Munich, it proved one step too far. They arrived in Munich having lost their ‘favourites’ tag after the first-leg job that the German side did on Arsenal, which was executed very well.
There will naturally be disappointment, especially as it was not the rip-roaring performance that was expected. Something of a humbling, but a lesson too and that is that this is about the experience here for the club.
Bayern had winners of the competition in their squad and players who have played year after year at this level. Previous tests between the two sides have not been a contest whatsoever with Bayern winning the previous three clashes before these two met this season 5-1.
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This time they showed serious respect to the Gunners and had to tailor their game to what Mikel Arteta’s side were capable of. The summer is what comes into find in the aftermath of the game.
Arsenal need more depth and that was evident by Eddie Nketiah being brought on to help the side win. Investment in the forward line, midfield and defence will be key whilst moving on the players who simply are not of the required level.
The story is not over for Arsenal this season yet, though. They need to regroup and find a response at the weekend against Wolves and will know now that the fixture list will ease for them with more chances for rest between games as the season comes to a conclusion.