Munich talking points: Bayern know-how proves the difference

DIFFERENCE-MAKER: Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane (left) and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli battle for the ball. Pic: Nick Potts, PA Wire.

Takehiro Tomiyasu unable to nullify the threat of Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane’s performance in the first leg ensured Mikel Arteta’s selection at left-back was always going to attract scrutiny. The position has been a problem area for Arsenal for some time and after Sane exposed Jakub Kiwior at the Etihad Stadium, a change was always likely.

Arteta opted to go with Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of the less reliable Oleksandr Zinchenko and the Japan international responded well in what was an intriguing battle with the Bayern winger.

The warning signs were there when Tomiyasu got under a crossfield ball to Sane and the winger raced to the byline before delivering a dangerous cross. 

But the full-back stuck to his task well, fulfilling his defensive duties and pushing on into midfield to support Gabriel Martinelli during the first half.

Sane, though, was more prominent after the break and it came as no surprise that he was a central figure in the build-up to Joshua Kimmich’s goal.

The Champions League can sometimes be cagey, not chaotic

After the first legs of the quarter-finals produced a season’s worth of drama, it was business as usual on Tuesday as the thrilling shoot-outs in Barcelona and Dortmund produced the competition’s first two semi-finalists. 

The chaos had to end somewhere and after the absorbing, exhausting 2-2 draw in north London, it soon became clear these two teams would be taking a much more controlled approach this time around.

There was definitely a note of caution to the way the first half was played out with the two sides aware of the danger of getting exposed. 

The result was a crowded midfield where space was at a premium and, from Arsenal’s point of view, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli didn’t get anything like the kind of service they needed to regularly trouble the Bayern backline.

The breakthrough was always likely to come from a mistake and unfortunately for Arsenal, it came when Martinelli failed to track Joshua Kimmich for the opening goal.

Bayern Munich’s know-how made the difference

The question before kick-off was how Arsenal would respond to Sunday’s home defeat to Aston Villa that threatens to undermine their Premier League title challenge. 

Mikel Arteta spoke before kick-off about the need for his players to manage their emotions and for much of the first half they looked composed.

The second half was a different story as Bayern Munich displayed the belief and assurance of a club that feels at home in this competition. 

The Bundesliga side are serial winners and the threat of ending the season empty-handed will have only fuelled their display.

By contrast, Arsenal’s lack of recent experience in the competition - this season marks their return after seven years - became increasingly evident. 

The Gunners’ decision-making at key moments and in important areas, particularly in the final third, was found wanting while Bayern appeared to know just what to do as they closed out the game.