Officials were criticized by journalists during Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich with Martin Odegaard left incensed.
The Gunners crashed out of Europe with a 3-2 aggregate loss to the Bavarian giants, with Joshua Kimmich’s sole goal of the match the difference-maker as Arsenal failed to make their possession and chances count.
Having missed out on a penalty last week in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, there was pressure on tonight’s officials to put on a good performance, with Arsenal and Bayern eager for a solid showing from a Champions League referee.
Yet despite an inoffensive display, one moment drew criticism from journalists and Odegaard.
Officials slammed by journalists and Odegaard after missing blatant corner
As pointed out by Henry Winter, an Odegaard shot with Arsenal 1-0 down that came off two Bayern players was not awarded as a corner, leaving the Norwegian international incensed by the decision.
Whilst Arsenal failed to make the most of any of their set-pieces tonight, the moment again highlighted how officials are still getting the basics wrong in major European games, especially after last week’s leg in north London.
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Indeed, Arsenal crashing out of Europe can’t be pinned on one wrong decision from the referee, with the Gunners simply not at the races tonight against Bayern after managing just three shots on target compared to Bayern’s four.
With Arsenal also enjoying 48% possession, Mikel Arteta’s side can really only blame themselves for their defeat in Bavaria, with the north London side not turning up when it mattered most and throwing away a golden chance to go all the way in the Champions League.
Arsenal learnt brutal Champions League lesson from Bayern Munich
Arsenal winning the Champions League was always going to be a long shot given how inexperienced this squad is in the competition, and tonight’s loss to Bayern was a brutal lesson for Arteta and his players to learn.
Whilst there hints of openings, Arsenal didn’t show the maturity or the killer instinct needed to win the Champions League, something Bayern showed through Kimmich’s second-half header.
A European final in London would have been a dream for Arsenal, yet tonight’s loss could do more for the Gunners in the long-run than any other result this season.