Arteta urges Arsenal to learn from mistakes in Bayern showdown

Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal to learn from their costly mistakes in Tuesday's dramatic 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich if they want to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Thanks to Leandro Trossard's late equalizer in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta's side ensured their quarter-final tie remained evenly matched.

Arsenal's old tormentor Harry Kane had ignored the hostile reception from the Gunners fans on his return to north London with the ice-cold penalty that gave Bayern a 2-1 first-half lead.

Former Tottenham striker Kane's sixth career goal at the Emirates came after ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry canceled out Bukayo Saka's early opener for the Gunners.

It was a frustrating evening for Arsenal, who looked hesitant at times in their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.

The Premier League leaders were in top form in 2024 while Bayern stumbled through a crisis-hit season.

But Arsenal's status as favorites to reach the quarter-finals was undermined by unusually sloppy defending.

Arteta urged his players to use the experience as a valuable tool to make amends in the return leg in Munich on April 17.

“We will play again in Munich. We are alive. The game became difficult and they understand that they have to raise the level,” he said.

“We made some mistakes today. Let's learn from this. These players were incredible. That's part of football. Let’s support them.”

“I feel the faith there. We will go to Munich and have the chance to win there. We’re going to be better in certain areas and that’s how we’re going to prepare for that.”

Arteta admitted Bayern's impressive first half unsettled his team but was impressed with how they regained their composure after the break.

– 'Crazy situation' –

“The second goal caused some uncertainty in the team, but after we reacted well, it's easy to throw away the toys when something doesn't go right,” he said.

“The substitutes, especially Leandro and Gabriel (Jesus), made a big impression with their body language and the initiative they took to make something happen.”

Saka was convinced he should have been awarded a penalty in the final seconds when Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer appeared to touch the Arsenal winger.

But replays suggested Saka had initiated the contact and Arteta refused to get involved in the controversy, saying only that he “didn't see the picture again” and “couldn't change the decision”.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel complained about another penalty incident that his team didn't like.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes inexplicably picked up the ball from a David Raya goal kick in the 66th minute.

But Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg decided against a penalty.

“I know it was a crazy situation. You put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands,” Tuchel said.

“What really makes us angry is the statement on the pitch. He told our players it was a 'childish mistake' and he wouldn't give a penalty for it in a Champions League quarter-final.”

“It's a terrible explanation. A child's mistake, an adult's mistake, whatever. We are angry because it was a big decision against us.”

A crucial miss from Leroy Sane – which allowed Ben White to attack him again after making a clean run past the goal – prevented the six-time European champions from taking a 3-1 first-half lead.

But after a traumatic season in which Bayern are almost certain to cede the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel can hardly complain about his team's fighting performance.

“It wasn't easy, especially after we conceded an early goal. The Arsenal fans were incredible, they pushed them. We scored with our first attack and the body language and confidence changed.”

“There are no more away goals. We’re happy with what we showed and we’ll start next week 0-0.”

“The decision will be made next week. It’s only half time.”

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