Champions League

ON a brass-monkeys night in Bavaria, Arsenal froze and exited the Champions League as a deep chill swept through their promising season.A bullet header from Josh Kimmich was enough to send Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich mates through to the semi-finals at the expense of Mikel Arteta’s side.Arsenal have been dumped out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHarry Kane’s Bayern Munich have secured their spot in the semisCredit: RexJoshua Kimmich celebrates after breaking the deadlock against ArsenalCredit: GettyHe raced through three Gunners defenders to head home on 63 minutesCredit: ReutersSunday’s home defeat by Aston Villa saw the Gunners cede advantage in a gripping Premier League title race and four days later arrived this even more serious blow.And however much Arteta has transformed this club in the past few seasons, this was as a case of ‘same old Arsenal’. It was the fifth time in the club’s last six Champions League campaigns that they have been knocked out by Bayern. Here, Arsenal were assured on the ball but lacking in penetration. READ MORE ON ARSENALThey did not force a single clear scoring opportunity until a vain late rally in the final minutes.   There will be stronger calls now for an authentic centre-forward to be signed in the summer because this is a team which lacks little else.Just like Villa, it was another case of Arsenal coming up marginally short against quality opposition. It wasn’t a choke, it was a decent effort from a group of players in their first Champions League campaign together.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd this is a competition which demands experience and nous. Clubs normally have to knock on the door for a good few years before they reach a final, let alone lift Old Big Ears.  Arsenal played in green and, at elite European level, they are green.Hollywood superstar interrupts interview to reveal she is Arsenal fan as supporters boast ‘we are gargantuan’ For England captain Kane, and his former Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier, this kept alive hopes of silverware in their maiden campaign as Bayern players and also gave their old club’s rivals a welcoming kick in the knackers. Yet it didn’t help Tottenham’s chances of reaching the Champions League next season. Germany and England have been vying for a fifth entry into a competition which will be revamped next season and the Germans now hold a clear advantage, meaning Spurs will surely need to finish fourth to qualify. Bayern deserved their win, though. They shaded last week’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates and they hit the woodwork twice before Kimmich’s winner. Kane was quiet, well-shackled by William Saliba, but he can still dream of a place in the Wembley final on June 1. This Arsenal side is so accomplished at rolling over lesser sides in the Premier League. But to defeat the very best, they need greater attacking threat. They need a predator to kill off the opposition in tight, tense encounters such as this. Arsenal had been gubbed 5-1 on the previous two visits here and many supporters still have nightmares about this intimidating spaceship sponsored by an insurance company.But that was a different Arsenal, the flimsy Arsenal of Arsene Wenger’s latter years.The Gooners up in the nosebleed seats were making plenty of racket, fortified against the last icy blasts of Alpine winter by copious local beer.And if anything there was even more pressure on Bayern than Arsenal. While Arteta’s men are still in the Premier League title race, Bayern had conceded the Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend and were staring down the barrel at the unthinkable scenario of a season without a trophy. Thomas Tuchel is on his way this summer and a rebuild is in the offing. Arteta restored Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli to his forward line-up but neither really bared their teeth, while Bukayo Saka was frustrating and, ultimately, frustrated on the right. At kick-off, the Allianz was an assault on the senses – they played through an acrid pyrotechnic fog with Bavarian chanting and drumming clattering at their eardrums. It was cagey, respectful, low-tempo stuff with Arsenal unflustered.Bayern were denied twice by the post in the first halfCredit: ReutersHARRY KANEHere’s what Bayern’s English star told TNT Sports afterwards:

“Yeah an unbelievable win. It’s been a tough season for us. We’ve had to fight and grind it out at times.
“We knew we could make the difference with our fans at home. It was a tough game, a tight game. It was a great goal from Josh [Kimmich].
“To reach the semi-finals is a great achievement for us and we can enjoy it.
“I think in these types of games the first half is always a bit cagey. We said at half-time we wanted to up the tempo, be aggressive. We had a couple off the post and could have made it easier for ourselves but these games are always tough and you just have to get through them.
“The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League. We won the league for 11 years in a row so maybe there was a bit of tempo missing. That can’t happen.
“Now we have to enjoy the Champions League and try to get ready for Saturday.”

Occasionally, though Leroy Sane would hare past Tomiyasu and midway through the half, Bayern found some joy on the left, Raphael Guerriero darting through and feeding full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who shot narrowly wide across goal.Soon, David Raya clawed away a Jamal Musiala shot but Arsenal swiftly tested Bayern’s keeper, Manuel Neuer keeping out a deflected Martin Odegaard effort and a Martinelli shot.Arsenal were having some success by pressing Bayern, snapping at their ankles as they tried to play out from the back, but when they won possession the final ball was never right. Straight after the interval, Bayern were at Arsenal’s throats – striking the woodwork twice.First Leon Goretzka’s header crashed against the post, then Guerriero’s shot was deflected onto the same upright by Ben White. It was a severe warning to Arsenal but they didn’t heed it and, on 63 minutes, the Germans seized the lead. It was a frustrating night for Bukayo Saka and the GunnersCredit: AFPMikel Arteta’s men barely laid a glove on the German giantsCredit: GettyEx-Spurs star Eric Dier celebrates with Manuel Neuer after the full-time whistleCredit: APRaya had flapped at a cross from the right and then Guerreiro delivered one from the left with full-back Kimmich escaping the attentions of Martinelli to score with a stooping header. Arsenal had conceded twice in quick succession in the home leg, then again against Villa, and they almost did so again. Guerreiro, a proper menace, cut back low but Sane blazed his shot miles over when he could have put the tie to bed. Arsenal attacked throughout injury-time but they never looked like scoring. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn truth, they didn’t look like scoring all night. They didn’t lack bottle, they simply lacked punch. More

ARSENAL struggled for big performances when they needed them most as they crashed out of the Champions League.Joshuua Kimmich headed Bayern Munich into the semi-finals with the only goal of the night in Germany for a 3-2 aggregate success.Declan Rice and Co struggled to break Bayern downBen White appeared to be caught napping for Bayern’s winnerStats show how Arsenal’s England winger had a rare off-nightEngland heroes Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka struggled to impress for the Gunners at the Allianz Arena.But there was encouragement in defence – except with huge question marks over the Bayern winner.Here’s how Arsenal rated in the Allianz Arena on another evening of European disappointment.DAVID RAYA – 6Smart save to foil Jamal Musiala in a goalless first half.READ MROE TOP STORIESQuestionable positioning once or twice, but the Spaniard could not be blamed when left exposed by his defence for Kimmich to nod Bayern’s winner.BEN WHITE – 5An otherwise steady night was overshadowed by huge question marks over his role in the only goal of the night. The right-back left far too much space for Raphael Guerreiro to measure a centre buried by Kimmich.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Came out of the evening better than central-defensive partner Gabriel.Most read in Champions LeagueLargely composed in the face of a Bayern side who occasionally menaced on the break.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6Had a moment to forget when a strange backpass nearly went into his own net.But the Brazilian will instead remember how he marked Harry Kane well enough to virtually shut out the England striker.TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 7Bright, encouraging first start since December – with the versatile Japan star on the left of defence.Won his battle with ex-Manchester City winger Leroy Sane.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Flickered far too rarely to make the Gunners a consistent danger. Worked hard off the ball, but that’s not the reason he’s been such a key man this season.Jorginho looked good before the intervalJORGINHO – 6Industrious and inventive, the Italian was Arsenal’s main creative force in the first hour.DECLAN RICE – 6One of the England man’s quietest games of the season – just when an even bigger display than usual was needed.BUKAYO SAKA – 5Wasteful moments late on typified a frustrating night of almost zero threat from the attacker.But both he and Odegaard were fitness doubts beforehand – so maybe starting him was a risk too far.KAI HAVERTZ – 5Little impact as the main striker – but received scant service all night.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5Not offered half as much as an attacking danger as needed.But the wideman grafted well to cover Tomiyasu behind him.Joshua Kimmich nodded Bayern’s winner on 63 minutesSUBSGABRIEL JESUS (68 mins, for Jorginho) Was offside from his only chance up front.READ MORE SUN STORIESLEANDRO TROSSARD (for Martinelli, 68 mins) – pretty much anonymous.EDDIE NKETIAH (for Tomiyasu, 86 mins) – on too late for a rating. More

ARSENAL fans raged after a refereeing error went against them in their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.The Gunners were becoming increasingly frustrated in the latter stages of their quarter-final second leg in Germany as Bayern led 1-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.Martin Odegaard’s shot deflected off Eric Dier before Manuel Neuer pushed it behindCredit: Twitter / @TheEuropeanLadOdegaard was furious at the decision to give a corner as he raged at the assistant refereeCredit: GettyOdegaard claimed it was the second incorrect decision as he voiced his frustrationCredit: GettyAnd captain Martin Odegaard was left even more incensed when Arsenal were not given a corner.Odegaard saw his shot deflect off Eric Dier before it was tipped behind by keeper Manuel Neuer.Yet referee Danny Makkelie pointed for a goal kick as the Gunners skipper was left in disbelief.He remonstrated with the assistant referee, throwing his hands above his head.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Norwegian could also be seen saying: “That’s two times.”Reacting to the decision, one fan said: “Rigged 😭.”Another added: “Neuer clearly touched the ball on Odegaard’s shot. Why is that not a corner?”A third replied: “That corner decision is woeful, two very obvious deflections.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Odegaard’s reaction was even that of someone who wasn’t disappointed cos he’d won a corner.”While a fourth responded: “Bayern rigged the game.”The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsThere is no evidence to suggest the game was rigged.Minutes after the decision, the full-time whistle was blown as Arsenal were dumped out of the Champions League.It is their second defeat in four days after they lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.Mikel Arteta’s men now need to dust themselves off as they prepare to go to Wolves on Saturday evening.Following the defeat to Villa, Arsenal sit two points adrift of champions Manchester City with six games remaining. More

JUDE BELLINGHAM was labelled the “Brummy Zidane” after a sensational piece of skill against Manchester City… before Real Madrid went on to score.The Los Blancos midfielder, 20, returned to England for a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday night.Jude Bellingham mesmerised fans with a piece of skill at the EtihadCredit: GettyHe controlled the ball remarkably on his right foot before he retained possessionAnd one moment of sheer brilliance left football fans in awe of the Three Lions playmaker.Bellingham watched a high ball all the way onto his foot, killing it superbly.He then showcased his wonderful footwork by evading the challenge of Ruben Dias and laying it off to Fede Valverde.Valverde fed Vinicius Junior who looked up and played it across to Rodrygo six yards out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Brazilian’s first attempt was scuffed and saved by Man City keeper Ederson, but he made no mistake the second time as Real Madrid took the lead.But those on social media were keen to focus on the start of the move as they lauded Bellingham’s breathtaking piece of play.One fan said: “That Jude Bellingham touch during the play of Rodrygo’s goal is absolutely insane.”It will get overlooked, but that’s magic.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZinedine Zidane was famous for his immaculate first touchCredit: AFPBefore another simply added that the Birmingham-born superstar is the “Brummy Zidane”.A third replied: “Closest player to Zidane as we’ll ever get.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseA fourth responded: “Jude is a midfielder, this is what they do to be world class.”Doesn’t need the goal or assist to know this kid will get to three Ballons d’Or, without a doubt.”A fifth said: “That’s right up there with Zidane and Bergkamp.”And yet another added: “It just gets better every time you watch it.”Bellingham has contributed 20 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches in his opening season at Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of the best players in world football.Bellingham has 16 goals in 24 LaLiga games this season More

BEN WHITE’S “absolute rubbish” defending for Bayern Munich’s tie-winning goal had Arsenal fans “screaming” at their TVs.The Germans were given too much space for a cross headed home by the unmarked Joshua Kimmich as a 1-0 win put the hosts through to the Champions League semi-finals 3-2 on on aggregate.Ben White, seen here chasing Bayern’s ex-Spurs star Harry Kane, came under fire from Arsenal supporters over the decisive goalCredit: PAViewers couldn’t believe it as Joshua Kimmich put Bayern in frontViewers accused defender White of failing to respond to the 63rd minute raid that completely exposed the Gunners down their right.One fan posted: “FFS IM SCREAMING AT BEN WHITE GET TO THE CROSSSSS!!!! FFS MAAAAAN.”Another reckoned the defender showed a “lazy lazy lazy way of trying to stop the cross”.And a third hit out: “Ben White you should’ve pressed him ffs.”READ MORE TOP STORIESMany Gunners fans’ have long claimed the 26-year-old, capped four times, would strengthen England for Euro 2024.But White has declined a squad recall offered by Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate.And he quickly fell out of favour with even Arsenal supporters on Wednesday night.”That is shameful defending,” argued one observer.Most read in Champions League”WHY IS BEN WHITE ALWAYS SO SLOW TO CLOSE DOWN OPPOSITIONS,” yelled another viewer online.And a third fan suggested the ex-Brighton hero “will never learn – always static in those positions.”Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker More