Matthew Upson suggested that one Arsenal player had to be bailed out by Gabriel Magalhaes after finding himself all over the place inside the first 18 minutes against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Arsenal had a real point to prove in the early stages in the Allianz Arena. The last week has not been a particularly good one for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arteta did appear to make a popular decision with his team selection, with Kai Havertz put back up front.
He also made what appeared to be a good call at left-back, with Jakub Kiwior struggling in the first-leg and Oleksandr Zinchenko not covering himself in glory against Aston Villa at the weekend.
Arsenal player ‘all over the place’ up against Leroy Sane
Takehiro Tomiyasu came in, and was given the unenviable task of trying to contain Leroy Sane. Unfortunately, one of the first battles between the pair saw Sane almost create a brilliant chance.
A brilliant pass out from the middle of the park was perfectly weighted over Tomiyasu’s head. And that allowed Sane to break down Bayern’s right flank and into the penalty area.
Thankfully for Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes was able to cut the ball out. And, speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Matthew Upson suggested that no-one would have been more relieved than the Japan international.
“Super position from Gabriel in the middle. Cut the ball out,” he said. “Tomiyasu all over the place here. Nowhere near the ball and not aware of the run of Sane, who chests the ball into his path.
“And his first touch is beyond Tomiyasu and it’s a really good position. And it was sharp from Gabriel just to get across and put it out for a corner.”
No shame in struggling against Bayern Munich star
Tomiyasu is arguably the best defender Arsenal have for the left-back spot, particularly while Jurrien Timber is making his way back from injury. Zinchenko can be fantastic on the ball, and Kiwior is definitely good at the back. But the £20 million man’s return to the starting lineup was very welcome.
One shaky moment against Sane is hardly surprising. He is one of the game-changers in Thomas Tuchel’s side. And he made a real impact during the first-leg at the Emirates.
But that would have given Bayern some encouragement to see how quickly they could get behind the Arsenal defence and try and create something.
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