Defence needs to be more alert
For the most part in the first leg, Bayern defended well as a unit. However, the centre-backs, particularly Eric Dier, placed a bit too much reliance on the midfield double pivot as evidenced by Arsenal’s opening goal. Upon close inspection of the Bukayo Saka goal, one could see that Dier needed to step forward instead of bracing himself to block Saka who scored with his stronger left foot.
Goretzka, who did well to track back, ended up being a bit too late in attempting the block, and Davies who was trailing the play could have intervened if Dier had forced Saka to change direction. The Bavarian side will be without Aphonso Davies for this crucial second leg as the Canadian is serving a one-match suspension for accumulated yellow-cards. To cope with the absence of Davies’ pace on the left flank at both ends of the pitch, Noussair Mazraoui is expected to get the nod for left-back duties. Overall, the back-four will have to do better than in the first leg.
The pressure for the second leg encounter will be on both teams for different reasons. However, another strong display of solidarity from the home team; along with the right adjustments from the first leg, plus the support of a home crowd, eager to make up for its absence during the first leg, should be enough to get Bayern Munich the all-important victory on Wednesday.