Arsenal suffer first leg defeat to Bayern

Arsenal fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League tie at the Emirates. The Gunners were hoping to bounce back from a poor result in the FA Cup at the weekend but goals from Kroos, Muller and Mandzukic denied that. Lukas Podolski had revived hopes early in the second half but it wasn't to be as it meant Arsenal would now have it all to do in Munich in the return leg. There were a few changes to the side that had lost in the FA Cup as Sagna came back in at right back for Coquelin. Meanwhile Vermaelen played at left back in place of the cup-tied Nacho Monreal. Ramsey once again got the nod in midfield, however Olivier Giroud started on the bench as Cazorla was out wide with Walcott leading the line. 

Podolski's goal wasn't enough as Arsenal suffered a first leg defeat

The goals the Gunners had conceded were pretty shoddy and they could have easily been avoided. Bayern's first goal came from a cross on the right hand side which managed to avoid Ramsey and then fall to Kroos who lashed the ball home from just outside the box. The shot was sweetly struck which left Szczesny with no chance.

The Polish keeper however should have done better with the second goal. Mertesacker was also at fault as he failed to beat Van Buyten in the air and then the veteren defender's header was palmed straight into the path of Muller who was left with a tap in.

Arsenal did find a way back into the game shortly after the break as Bayern failed to deal with a simple corner routine. Wilshere's delivery found Podolski who was allowed to flick the ball home for a goal against his old club.

The Gunners were now starting to put the German side under pressure. However that was soon undone as they scored yet another away goal. The ball was fired across goal from the right hand side and Mandzukic rather fortuitously found the net from close range.

It was a result which left Arsene Wenger under more pressure as, baring a miracle in Munich, it would now be 8 years without a trophy for Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey(71), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(71).
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Diaby, Rosicky(71), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud(71). 

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Kroos(74), Ribery(63), Mandzukic(79). 
Subs: Starke, Rafinha, Gustavo(74), Tymoschuk, Shaqiri, Robben(63), Gomez(79). 

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR)
Attendance: 59, 974