Arsenal's steady, stoic showing proves they have another hill to climb

Now this young side wants to burn their own history onto Arsenal’s honours board, and taking the first step isn’t easy. As was ultimately highlighted here as they petered away in the second half just when they needed to step it up.

OVER AND OUT: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks dejected. Pic: Alex Grimm, Getty Images

Walking out at the Allianz Arena, the noise deafening, all Arsenal’s dreams were laid out in front of them; to play again at football’s very top table, to fight for the Champions League and to put the jitters up Premier League title rivals Manchester City in the process.

They couldn’t do it, and now the inquest will begin.