Arsenal defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League fixture on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 77th minute as he ended Bayern’s 12-game winning streak. Mesut Ozil added the second goal in the closing moments to make sure the hosts bag three points.
Arsene Wenger’s side had lost their first two Champions League encounters but Tuesday’s victory surely raised the Gunners’ hope to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament. Currently, Arsenal is placed second in the Premier League, two points behind the leaders Manchester City.
Despite of high intensity encounter both the sides failed to score in the first half. England forward Theo Walcott had a chance to put the home side in front but Manuel Neuer denied the opener with a sensational one-handed save. The France international Giroud put Arsenal ahead three minutes after replacing Walcott after an hour mark.
The German champions dominated the possession throughout the 90 minutes but failed to cash in a number of goal scoring opportunities. Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski created a superb effort of the match but Arsenal goalkeeper Peter Cech denied his effort.
Former Madrid winger Ozil made no mistake as he headed home in the stoppage time. The 27-year-old pulled off a stunner from Hector Bellerin’s low cross. Bayern dugout lost their momentum that they had maintained since the start of the season. However, Bayern management assured the team will bounce back in the upcoming clash against FC Koln on Saturday.
“We had an absolute necessity to win and we did it in an intense, disciplined game,” said Arsenal boss Wenger. “It can strengthen our belief and the belief of fans,” he added.
Bayern manager Pep Guardiola had not seen his side lose in 90 minutes this season and the visitors enjoyed more than 70 percent possession and registered 21 efforts on goal. It was not their lucky day as they had enough chances to record an away victory against the London based club.
Both the teams will meet again in two weeks time at Allianz Arena in Munich. IMAGE/Tom Jenkinks
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