Eric Dier starred in the middle of Bayern Munich’s defence on Wednesday night as the German giants knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League quarter-finals to progress, winning the second leg 1-0.
Following last week’s 2-2 draw in the first leg, Arsenal were tasked with going to Germany and picking up a result. But they failed to create many big chances, while Bayern looked in control throughout the game.
Dier joined Bayern from Tottenham in January and has starred since. The England defender continues to start ahead of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae alongside Matthijs de Ligt in Thomas Tuchel’s defence.
Already, the 30-year-old has played 14 times for Bayern since his move from Spurs. WhoScored handed Dier a rating of 7.54 for his performance, Bayern’s third-best rating – and better than any Arsenal player.
Eric Dier shines against Arsenal after Tottenham exit in January
Two headers won, four tackles – more than any other Bayern player – and three interceptions. Dier was a rock, silencing any doubters over why Bayern had signed the former Sporting Lisbon man from Spurs.
With ease, the combination of Dier and de Ligt coped with the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and other Arsenal players they came up against. Jamie O’Hara was revelling in Arsenal’s defeat last night.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, O’Hara raved about Dier: “He was Man of the Match, Spurs in Arsenal heads rent free. They don’t even play for Spurs anymore. Harry Kane and Eric Dier, the best players on the pitch.”
Dier shines for Bayern, but it is bad news for Tottenham
A couple of weeks ago, it looked more than likely that fifth place would promise Champions League football. But now, with City and Arsenal out, and Liverpool struggling against Atalanta, it looks unlikely.
It now means Spurs need to topple Villa to get into the top four, but Villa have leapfrogged Spurs back into fourth after beating Arsenal. So, it could be that Dier and Harry Kane have hindered Spurs, last night.
Indeed, their win over Arsneal has contributed to Tottenham probably failing to get Champions League football in fifth. Of course, Spurs can still change that, going on a run and overtaking Villa into fourth.
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