Jason Cundy has suggested that many will talk about what one Arsenal star did in the tie with Bayern Munich for years to come, insisting that he does not know why he did it.
Arsenal are coming to terms with their Champions League exit. Unfortunately, it was another underwhelming performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, as they were beaten by Bayern on Wednesday.
Many were tipping Arsenal to go through against Bayern. However, Thomas Tuchel’s men definitely deserved it over the two legs.
But it could have arguably been very different.
Pundit baffled by what Bukayo Saka did as Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League
Arsenal made a flying start at the Emirates, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring. And it was Saka who was involved in a crucial moment right at the end of the first-leg.
The 22-year-old was played in and looked to take the ball around Manuel Neuer. The pair made contact and Saka went down inside the penalty area.
Saka obviously felt that he should have been awarded a penalty. But plenty, including Ian Wright, felt that Saka could have stayed on his feet – which would have presented him with an easy chance to put Arsenal 3-2 up ahead of the second-leg.
That would prove costly with Arsenal losing 1-0 in the Allianz Arena. And speaking on talkSPORT, Jason Cundy claimed that Saka’s decision to go to ground was decisive.
“If you look back over the tie, your home leg, you’re 1-0 up and cruising. Shot yourselves in the foot. Then you get yourself back in it at 2-2. Saka’s got to stay on his feet. I don’t know why. People will talk about that for years, why he’s not stayed on his feet,” he said.
“And then tonight you didn’t turn up. And I think you’ve got to give Bayern credit.”
Only Gunners star will know whether he truly cost Mikel Arteta’s side in first-leg
A goal at that stage of the first-leg would have definitely changed the complexion of the tie. It almost certainly would have won Arsenal the game.
And Bayern would have perhaps been forced to take more risks in the second-leg. That could have perhaps played into Arsenal’s hands.
As it was, it was a tense and cagey second-leg; lacking any real quality until the only goal came.
Some may have wondered whether a draw would have had a positive impact on the Gunners. A narrow lead may have left Arteta with a dilemma over whether to stick or twist.
As it was, Arteta was somewhat caught in that position anyway. Arsenal did not force the issue. Neuer did not have too many big saves to make, with Gabriel Martinelli spurning the one great chance.
It will be interesting to know whether Saka has any regrets over the incident in the first-leg. He clearly felt that it was a penalty at the time. But only he will know whether he could have actually stayed on his feet or not.
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