Transfer deadline day

No, this isn't Jim White. And, secondly, I'm not one of those raving lunatics standing behind a nervous-looking Sky Sports News reporter outside Emirates Stadium; morons.

Now that I've got that off my chest, what a deadline day it has been! Years ago I could only have imagined a player like Mesut Ozil signing for The Gunners.

When I woke up this morning and saw the circulating rumours, my naturally pessimistic attitude led me to disbelieve. And yet, as the day wore on, I got more and more excited. The stories were genuine!

And then, at long last, the deals for Mesut Ozil and Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano slowly surfaced and were announced at various points during the day, Ozil's being announced at 10:29 PM; agonisingly close to the cut-off time.

So, a world-class 'marquee' signing and some competition for Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Happy days, right?

To say I'm completely happy would be a lie, however.

Arsenal need another striker to provide assuring backup for our current ones who seem to pick up injuries frequently. With Podolski out at the moment, the time will come when Giroud falls foul to injury and Arsenal are well and truly stuffed. Until January, that is.

Earlier this year I mentioned about the importance of acquiring a proper defensive-midfielder. While Ozil is certainly a great catch, but I'd argue the main impetus should have been on bringing in a midfielder who would hold. That way, Arteta could be freed to play more creative, attacking football the like of which we saw during his Everton years.

How can we not avoid Arsenal's defensive frailties, either. Arsenal were left in dire straits against Villa, and the defence are taking hit after hit with players falling out of fitness left, right and centre.

Bacary Sagna can deputise well at centre-back but with Thomas Vermaelen's recent dip in form and Kieren Gibbs' wavering fitness, one can see how the defence is constantly stretched and having to reshape. Having put in a good shift against Tottenham at the weekend, every Gooner will be praying they maintain their fitness so as to build up some consistency.

But let's not let our shortcomings dominate us; not right now. What is arguably most important is that Arsene has done what he said he would; spend a lot of money on talented footballers (well, one). £42.4m is a lot of money but Ozil is an extremely talented footballer, and it was about time Arsenal spent some of their cash.

Those problems mentioned earlier will need to be rectified, but for the time being I'm happy to bask in the imagination of seeing a world-class footballer in an Arsenal shirt, lining up next to the likes of Wilshere, Santi and Arteta.

Thankfully, I do not have to imagine anymore. It is real.

More Germans please!

A comfortable win

ARSENAL 2-0 FENERBAHCE 
Ramsey 25' 72'
Att: 59,000

1st leg: completed in scintillating fashion. Time for the Gunners to see this tie out.

While this game could have been billed as a forgone conclusion, Arsene Wenger will have had his work cut out preparing his side for this game. Fenerbahce, current champions of the Turkish league, still posed a threat. What's more, Arsenal have, in recent years, been known to 'bottle it' at the final hurdle. I remained confident, however, and firmly believed the team would go about their business as usual. What's more, with the North London Derby on Sunday, it was vital that Arsenal put in a strong, positive performance.

There was a worrying number of empty seats in the Emirates leading up to kick-off. I myself did think about going to this one; at £50 a ticket I decided against it, especially with university around the corner. I would like to ask anyone who works in the Arsenal box office how they can even envisage charging so much for a qualifier; madness, if not completely stupid. The price of modern football, tsk tsk. All credit to the travelling Fenerbahce fans who certainly made their presence known in no uncertain terms.

Wenger fielded a relatively strong side as he aimed to firmly stronghold their place in this seasons's Champions League group stage for a 16th year in a row. The only changes from Saturday's side were in the form of Jack Wilshere, who was rested and replaced by Tomas Rosicky, and Nacho Monreal, who came in to replace Kieran Gibbs at left-back.

Fenerbahce started the quicker of the two in the opening exchanges. Arsene Wenger will have wanted his side to avoid any scares by keeping a clean sheet. Moussa Sow was in danger of sabotaging that in the 12th minute; had the Frenchman found a shot more quickly, it would have surely been 1-0.

Olivier Giroud had Arsenal's first clear-cut chance. After some intricate footwork from Santi Cazorla, the Frenchman was played in by Wilshere; his curled effort from outside the box went wide. It was enough to rouse the Arsenal fans, though, and it really showed how confident Giroud is at the moment.

Arsenal did score in the 25th minute. AARON RAMSEY finding the net after Walcott knocked the ball into his path 10 yards from goal. 4-0 on aggregate with 75 minutes still to play. His desire to get forward saw him rewarded with his second goal of the season. It could so easily have been 2-0 five minutes later had Giroud converted from Ramsey's through-ball.

Fenerbahce were not going to lie down, though. With half-time approaching, Emenike broke through on the left-wing and crashed a shot which Szczesny parried onto the post. Moments later, Raul Meireles fired a shot against the crossbar, but was ruled offside anyway. That was the closest the Turks came to scoring before half-time. For Arsenal, Giroud was gifted a big chance seconds before the break but could only blaze a shot high and wide.

The teams returned for the second-half, resuming a game of relatively slow pace thus far. That said, Podolski was eager in sprinting down the left flank to create a chance; so much so that the German pulled up feeling his hamstring. Naturally, at 4-0 up, Arsene Wenger refused to take any risks regarding a possible injury. Kieran Gibbs was brought on. Irritatingly, it looked like Podolski would miss Sunday's match. Yaya Sanogo was also given an opportunity on the hour mark, coming on to replace Olivier Giroud. Having only featured in dribs and drabs this season, the new signing will have wanted to take this opportunity.

In the 72nd minute, AARON RAMSEY scored again to make it 2-0 and 5-0 on aggregate. A crisp finish on the half-volley into the bottom right corner, converting a cross by Kieran Gibbs; a delightful goal. Now that Arsenal were comfortably in control, Wenger could give some youngsters a run-out. Ryo Miyaichi replaced Walcott shortly after Ramsey's goal.

The last embers of the game were slow burning. Jack Wilshere had a brief scare when he went down clutching his ankle. Having played a busy schedule (4 games in 10 days), plus an England qualifier approaching, it can be said Wilshere is feeling the strain somewhat. Arsene Wenger, not least Arsenal fans, do not want a repeat of the 18-month layoff that forced him out of the team. Thankfully, he carried on seemingly unscathed.

The game ended and Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League group stages. Who they will face will be decided on Thursday. For now, Arsenal fans can enjoy this moment. The next test will be Tottenham on Sunday. Will Bale still be wearing a Spurs shirt? Who cares.

Up the Gunners.

Back in the swing of things.

FULHAM 1-3 ARSENAL
Giroud 14', Podolski 41' 68', Bent 77'
Att: 25,622

Arsenal claimed all three points today after comprehensively beating Fulham at Craven Cottage. Under miserable conditions, The Gunners were ruthless and clinical in seeing off a lacklustre Fulham side featuring debutante Scott Parker, who had recently signed for The Whites. There was some encouragement in the form of Darren Bent, on loan from Aston Villa, who scored his first goal for the club.

Arsenal began the day on a quest to prove their doubters wrong. Their opening day defeat to Aston Villa had angered the majority of the Emirates faithful, and calls to 'Spend Spend Spend' were left ringing in Wenger's ears in the aftermath. However, in midweek, a 3-0 victory away in Fenerbahce gave him some respite from some of the criticism he has been receiving. A win in the Premier League today would restore some confidence in the Arsenal fans going into the North London Derby next Sunday.

So to today's match, and Arsenal started brightly. Despite the slippery conditions, Arsenal were stretching the Fulham defence with slick, pervasive football. Indeed, the wet conditions favoured Arsenal when OLIVIER GIROUD found the net in the 14th minute. A dinked finish into the bottom-left corner, the Frenchman has now scored three goals in as many games and is in somewhat inspired form. A perfect start for The Gunners, and they were not finished there.

Fulham created little in the way of chances and Arsenal exploited their defensive inferiority; Theo Walcott put his pace to good use, running John Arne Riise ragged. As Walcott's shot was well saved by Stockdale, LUKAS PODOLSKI was on hand to drill home from 18-yards. 2-0 to The Gunners going into the break, Fulham almost out of sight.

With Arsenal hosting Fenerbahce on Tuesday night in the second-leg of their Champions League playoff, Arsene Wenger benched Jack Wilshere as a precautionary measure. In the second-half, the England international made his entrance, replacing Tomas Rosicky.

Before long it was 3-0; LUKAS PODOLSKI claiming his second of the match with a drilled finish into the bottom-right corner. This goal was all about Olivier Giroud, however. His expert close control was a delight to see, and his placed pass put it on a plate for Podolski to finish comfortably.

Just as the game seemed to have reached its conclusion, Darren Bent entered the fray from the Fulham bench. While the result was almost inevitable, Martin Jol would have wanted to see Bent putting in a shift, perhaps even snatch a goal before the final whistle. And that is exactly what he did. After Berbatov's shot was initially parried by Wojciech Szczesny, DARREN BENT buried the rebound, providing some consolation for a generally disappointing game for The Cottagers.

The final whistle signaled the end of the game and, more importantly, Arsenal's first league win of the season. The woes of Villa had been held at bay after the Fenerbahce result and, after this win, were all but forgotten.

That said, Arsenal's lack of activity in the transfer market is not so forgettable. While Arsenal have now recorded back to back wins, obvious gaps are appearing as players pick up injuries. With Arteta, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Oxlade-Chamberlain all out, as well as Wilshere's unsettled fitness, it is clear (and has been for some time) that reinforcements are desperately needed.

However, let's be positive. Arsenal are beginning to look strong and stable, and a good result on Tuesday will only do good for team, players and fans alike.

A bloody task carried out ruthlessly.

ARSENAL 4-1 WIGAN ATHLETIC
Podolski 11' 68', Maloney 45', Walcott 63', Ramsey 71'
Att: 60,068

There was a lot at stake for both clubs going into this fixture. For Arsenal: a top-four finish, or bust. For Wigan Athletic: survival, or bust. Unfortunately, for the Latics, anything other than a win would relegate them. Arsenal were feeling the pressure, too, as they were pursuing their quest for Champions League football next season.

The tension was unbearable. While many fans, I included, have a soft-spot for Wigan Athletic, I could only wish for an Arsenal win. I was happy that the Latics had triumphed in the FA cup, but I am an Arsenal fan first and foremost; the trials and tribulations of my club come first. Whether Wigan stayed up, or not, was frankly irrelevant to me.

The opening exchanges were pleasing. Arsenal seemed focussed during the early furrows of the match. A goal in the 11th minute epitomised this; LUKAS PODOLSKI nodded home from a Santi Cazorla corner, the perfect start.

Wigan just didn't seem to be able to get anything going. They lacked the verve and precision they showed at Wembley on Saturday, and Arsenal were playing confidently. It seemed that they needed a bit of luck in order to get anything from this game.

And, as half-time approached, they were granted a free-kick in a promising position just outside the penalty box. Replays suggested the free-kick had been awarded in fortuitous circumstances; Arteta appeared to make little, if any, contact. That didn't bother Wigan, however, as SHAUN MALONEY stepped up and curled the ball into the bottom-right corner of Szczesny's goal. Wigan back in the game.

A frustrating blow for the Gunners, who had dominated for much of the first half. The Arsenal faithful made their feelings clear as the teams exited the field for their half-time pep-talks.

Martinez, after seeing his side win the FA cup, stressed that Wigan were entirely committed to achieving Premier League survival; they muted their celebrations in order to focus for tonight's game. Needless to say, the 15 or so minutes between the first and second halves would be the most important of his entire managerial career. Could he stir his side to recreate that passion and determination that bagged them the oldest cup competition in the world?

As the teams emerged for the second half, the tension was contagious. Wigan started better, as Kone forced a save from Wojciech Szczesny in the early stages of the second half. A heart-in-mouth moment, Arsenal were perhaps lucky to escape unscathed.

Arsenal scored a second in the 63rd minute. As Santi Cazorla raced down the wing, he drilled a low cross in which was met by the onrushing THEO WALCOTT, who found the net via Wigan goalkeeper Joel Robles. As has been the story of Arsenal's season, this goal inspired the team to hunt for more.

And, five minutes later, it was 3-1. LUKAS PODOLSKI bagged his second of the evening after being sent through by Santi Cazorla. His 16th goal of the season, Wigan were well and truly on the rack. They simply couldn't handle this resurgent Arsenal side, especially Santi Cazorla, who has arguably been Arsenal's player of the season. He was deservedly awarded Man of the Match.

The result was confirmed when AARON RAMSEY scored in the 71st minute. After being found with time and space, the Welshman advanced before firing into the net. There was no hope for Wigan anymore. A cruel end to a truly valiant effort, their players collapsed to the floor in disappointment.

Arsenal had played the role of pantomime villain by relegating Wigan Athletic, sending them down to the Championship after 8 long years of successive survivals. Martinez has pulled off some remarkable feats as Wigan boss; one can remember their survival two years ago, at the expense of West Ham United. Tonight, however, it just wasn't to be, sadly.

While Wigan will be missed in the Premier League, tonight's result concluded a disappointing league season for the Latics; they simply hadn't won enough games or, indeed, played well enough. Tonight was a harsh lesson on the competitive nature of the Premier League. Arsenal needed to win just as much, and went about their business just as they would any other game. One can only wish Wigan the best of luck for next season.

As for Arsenal, their fate will be decided on Sunday against Newcastle, away at St James's Park. It will be a decisive game, whatever the result. Arsenal could confirm their place in the Champions League qualifiers, but equally could slip to fifth should they fail to collect three points. Eyes will be on the match at White Hart Lane, too; Spurs have to win, otherwise they will not have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Tense, tense times.

Pre-season 2013

Now that the 2013/14 Premier League season is all but over, Arsenal fans' eyes will be turning to the summer break in 2013. While most Arsenal fans will be resting their tired souls, after yet another season of disappointment, it can be said that this summer will not be a quiet one for Arsenal.

Transfers will be a huge talking point. As soon as the final whistle is blown at the final game of the season, the transfer gossip will ensue. Every year, Arsenal are linked with several players in deals which most of the time don't ever take off. This year will be no exception. Despite Arsene being granted a transfer kitty of up to £70 million, his history of tentative, bargain-based transfers doesn't instill the greatest confidence in Arsenal fans. One would hope he uses that budget to its fullness, however. Arsenal need a replacement right-back, as it would appear Bacary Sagna is unfit for the cause, if not halfway out of the door, already. Also, some healthy competition for goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny would perhaps give provide the impetus he needs to up his game; it would appear Fabianski is far too injury-prone, and his track record isn't encouraging. I would say, however, that Wenger's biggest priority this summer has to be the purchase of a strong, holding-midfielder. Mikel Arteta has performed remarkably well, out of position, but it would appear his strengths lie in an attacking, more creative role.

In reality, Arsenal haven't replaced Gilberto Silva, one of Arsenal's greatest midfielders in the Wenger era. His ability to steward possession, organise the midfield and bully the opposition into submission was one of the reasons Arsenal went unbeaten for 49 Premiership matches. Alex Song never fulfilled his duties as a holding midfielder as he would never hold; his appetite for roaming constantly left the Arsenal defence in dire straits, and yet he was the one who failed to perform his job. Arsenal had previously been linked with Yann M'Vila, but Arsene denied such reports; consequently, M'Vila signed for Russian outfit Rubin Kazan, leaving that option closed now. One would hope Wenger's scouts have been keeping close tabs on similar talents, as Arsenal and Arteta are in real need of one.

Aside from transfers, the Emirates Cup will be making a return after being cancelled during last year's Olympic Games. Some of the rumoured teams to be involved alongside the Gunners include Napoli, Porto and, controversially, Galatasaray.

Arsenal fans of the older generations need no reminder of the atrocities that occurred in Copenhagen, before and after the 2000 UEFA Cup final. Violence across the city marred the showpiece event which Arsenal went on to lose on penalties. Reasons why such chaos erupted has been sketchy, although it has been cited that the stabbing of some Leeds United fans in the previous round by Galatasaray fans was a contributing factor. The Arsenal fans involved were apparently carrying out justice for such stabbings on behalf of English football; during the aftermath, the damage of the riot was clear: four stabbings, 11 injured and 54 arrests. A day of shame for both clubs. Those Arsenal and Galatasaray fans truly involved in the unpleasantness were rightfully punished.  In fact, it has been said that fans from several clubs in the UK were involved in the riots, as they sought to gain 'revenge', too.

For the organisers of the Emirates Cup, who are affiliated with Arsenal FC, to include Galatasaray in this year's tournament would be nothing short of scandalous. It seems like sheer folly to reignite such bad feeling amongst fans in what is supposed to be a low-key warm-up to the new season. It seems highly unlikely that Galatsaray fans would make a special trip all the way from Turkey to North London for this meaningless tournament, one would hope.

Piers Morgan admitting to the lies on Twitter to an Arsenal fan group

The fact is, however, that the riots left a deep burn on Arsenal fans, as several well-mannered, innocent supporters had their season tickets confiscated and were given lifetime bans from football arenas. Fans who, for the most part, played no role in the violence, and were unfortunate bystanders who were picked up by the cameras and were wrongly blamed in the press aftermath. The public furore was accentuated by the Daily Mirror, under the stewardship of editor and apparent Arsenal 'fan' Piers Morgan, and they campaigned for these fans to be imprisoned and banned from attending games for life. Based on lies and misinformation, Piers got his way. Arsenal fans continue to show resentment towards him and that unsavoury episode in the club's history. It was an act which Piers Morgan used as a way of gaining readership and support for his newspaper; he didn't care about the implications of his actions.

One can understand, therefore, the sheer ignorance of the organisers, should the reports be true, would cause more trouble than is ultimately worth. The Emirates Cup is a tournament where Arsenal and a few top world sides can stretch their legs and warm up for the new season. It often proves to be a relaxed atmosphere. Some fond memories have been made at this tournament; Henry's return, the visit of the Old Firm from Glasgow and the emergence of Jack Wilshere. One can be forgiven for thinking that, should Galatasaray be involved, the weekend will be spoilt by such vitriol and bad-feeling.

Maybe the reports were not accurate. I pray that they are not, because I don't want that weekend to be a disaster.

The season so far

On Wednesday, it was announced on various websites that, aside from all the shower of praise for Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal will be parting company with Nike and will sign with Puma, in a sportswear deal worth £30 million per year. It's worth noting at this point that, should this news be true, Arsenal will have bagged the largest kit sponsorship deal to date, leap-frogging Liverpool's £25 million deal with American manufacturers, Warrior. According to various sites, such as the Mirror and The Week, Arsenal will start wearing Puma kits in the 2014/15 season. Funnily enough, the Mirror took it further by saying that Arsene will have 'no excuses' and 'will have money to spend now'. I'll leave that thought with you.

While this can be viewed as a magnificent coup from Arsene and the rest of the Arsenal board, I can't help thinking that this development is relatively small compared with Manchester United.

As recently as April, United announced they had struck a deal worth £15 million a season with Aon for the renaming of Carrington training ground. A relatively small sum, but every little helps, I guess.

Perhaps it would be more befitting to mention that, in 2012, it was announced that, from 2014/15, Chevrolet would be the club's main shirt sponsor, replacing Aon, at a cost of $80 million (over £52 million) a season for seven years. In total, United will earn $559 million (over £346 million).

They even managed to squeeze cash out of their off-the-pitch merchandise. In 2011, they announced that DHL would sponsor United's training kits, in a deal which would earn them £40 million over four years. Ignoring the massive debt circulating Old Trafford, it can be said that these deals, plus their share of the newly announced £5 billion TV rights, their financial situation will improve.

Manchester United are the kings of globalisation and marketing. No other English team can compete with them in this sector, unless they can be as ruthless as the Red Devils. Some may cite United's recent dip in the New York stock exchange as a signal for the future. Will they be the same superpower? I'd argue yes, but only time will tell. What remains is Manchester United's impressive sponsorship deals which place them in good stead.

Does Arsenal's 'magnificent coup' look so good now?

I digress.

On the field, Arsenal are in the best form of their season. According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal are at the top of the form table having remained unbeaten in the last eight Premier League matches. The last loss suffered by the Gunners was the defeat to Spurs on 3 March (2-1), which, one could argue, was an ultimately winnable game.

I've grown confident in this Arsenal side, but cynics will pipe up and remind me of recent seasons; the fact is, this kind of late-season surge has become commonplace for Arsenal.

It happened last season; Arsenal went on an unbeaten streak and managed to leapfrog Spurs, confirming Champions League football for the current season. One would hope the side are capable of repeating such an impressive feat. But if you subtract the influence of Robin Van Persie, and his 37 goals, one can conclude that Arsenal would not have finished anywhere near 3rd.

This season, it has been all about Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. They are names which have so frequently cropped up in the press, for right and wrong reasons.

Santi Cazorla signed for Arsenal in a deal worth £16 million, and his contribution has been unquestionably consistent. He has featured in more Arsenal games than any other player this season, 47 and counting. What's more, his 12 goals and 10 assists have been a breath of fresh air for a midfield in dire need of inspiration. He has been voted Arsenal's Player of the Month four times by the fans this season; more than any other Arsenal player. Wenger has been questioned why he didn't sign him earlier. Whatever the reason may be, we can all be glad he did sign him.

Jack Wilshere returned to action after over 14 months on the sidelines. Rather unfairly, he was labelled as Arsenal's returning hero who could turn Arsenal's tumultuous season around. He hit the ground running. His buoyant energy excited the Arsenal fans, although some fans, I for one, grew wary of Wenger overplaying him. For many he was first on the teamsheet alongside Cazorla, but one could be forgiven for thinking he should only have played a bit-part role. In January 2013, Wenger admitted that Wilshere was 'rushed back too soon' after a lengthy six-week layoff following an ankle problem. One would hope that a healthy lay-off in the summer will leave him refreshed for next season.

Theo Walcott finally resolved his contract saga, signing a deal which, initially, would see him given more time in a more central role. And, to his credit, his 20 goals and 14 assists have proved him worthy of his new, improved contract. Every Arsenal fan hopes he can build on his improved form.

All this seems irrelevant when you remember Arsenal's premature exits from the Capital One Cup, Champions League and more notably the FA Cup; many viewed it as a winnable trophy, but Arsenal threw away the cup, as well as their hopes of a trophy this season. Losing 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates, the Arsenal fans were left to feel bitter. It compounded a pitiful run in the domestic cup competitions, which Arsenal fans have grown to value more highly than ever.

This season is far from over for Arsenal, however. The prospect of finishing in the top four is a realistic one; undoubtedly, however, it is a prospect in real jeopardy. The competition for Champions League spaces has, again, proven to be hotly contested, and the final two places are being competed by both Chelsea and Tottenham, as well as the Gunners. Your guess is as good as mine, but I firmly believe Arsenal are in a good position to finish fourth, being a point ahead of Tottenham with two games still to play. But let us not get complacent. Arsenal have to play Wigan (H) and Newcastle (A), both teams whose Premiership positions are unsettled. Arsenal will need to play ruthlessly, secure the 6 points required to stronghold their surge towards Champions League football in the 2013/14 season.

D-Day for Captain Wenger

ARSENAL 1-3 FC BAYERN MUNICH
Kroos 7', Muller 21', Podolski 54', Mandzukic 77'
Att: 59,974

What a massive game this was predicted to be. Arsenal fans worldwide were tuning in eagerly to see this Champions League Last-16 tie. Could they expect a result? As I wrote on Saturday, the season was virtually over after Blackburn calmly dispensed with Arsenal in the FA Cup - unless the Gunners could get a result against arguably the most in-form team in Europe (other than perhaps Manchester United).

The starting line-up would be pivotal. Wenger opted to leave Frenchman Olivier Giroud on the Arsenal bench, perhaps with a view to using him as a "super-sub", placing Walcott in the centre of attack, with Podolski and Ramsey on either wing. Arsenal were gifted with the return of Laurent Koscielny, which was a huge boost given they were without Kieran Gibbs (Injury) and Nacho Monreal (Cup-tied).

So to the game, and in reality this game was already full of its prejudices. Bayern's blistering league form thus far speaks for itself, but the fact that they have conceded 0 goals in 2013 really sticks out like a thorn in Arsenal. Would Arsenal's defensive frailties cost them? Will Bayern break records for goal-scoring? We'd know by 9:40.

The Bayern fans were raucous, but the Arsenal fans were making a hell of a noise themselves. The game kicked off, and a seemingly breathtaking tie was underway. Arsenal started brightly, as was to be expected. A cross from Cazorla found its way into the arms of Manuel Neuer in the second minute, but it was a confident burst to say the least. However, Bayern weren't going to be suppressed easily, and they themselves also enjoyed a racy start. In the fifth minute Arsenal earned their first corner. If they were going to score, it would be via a set piece most probably. However Cazorla could only send his cross long.

In an instant, however, Bayern were in front; TONY KROOS scoring a goal on the half volley after being found by fortuitously by Mueller. A mighty blow for Arsenal, their mountain was made a hundred miles taller. Arsenal fans did not boo, they were too stunned. A commanding finish from Kroos beating Szczesny, Bayern had made the best possible start imaginable.

The first ten minutes were allowed to pass almost secretly. A ninth of the game gone. The Arsenal defence appeared winded by that early succour punch, and they needed to freshen up. If Arsenal were going to earn anything from this tie, it was to be earned in the home leg at the Emirates. So far, Bayern hadn't been made to flinch yet. It wasn't as if Bayern enjoyed all the possession either, the game was relatively even in this factor. The sides differed in their efficiency with possession. Bayern appeared far more measured than their English opponents, they seemed more composed and balanced than Arsenal, who were at their most dangerous on the counter attack. When Bayern sat back to give Arsenal time on the ball, the Gunners seemed unable to use the ball wisely.

For a period of ten minutes, Bayern were subjecting Arsenal to wave after wave of attack, earning several corners. And soon it was 2-0. THOMAS MULLER flicking in 2 yards from goal after Szczesny saved a powerful header from Van Buyten. Arsenal were getting desperate, and the tie was barely 20 minutes old. Sagna recklessly earned himself a yellow card with a violent lunge soon after, and it was clear that Arsenal were starting to lose their composure. And again, Arteta; booked needlessly for a hideous tackle, really showing his frustration. Surprisingly, the Arsenal fans, who so forcefully vented their anger on Saturday, were muted by this display of excellence from their German counterparts.

A quarter of the game had ticked by, and Arsenal recorded 0 shots in goal, with Bayern Munich already 2 goals to the good. Walcott, a spectator in truth, was the only glimmer in Arsenal's dying light, everyone else looked average. Even the critically acclaimed Jack Wilshere was left to look fairly infantile by this stage of the game. The Arsenal fans celebrated the booking of Schweinsteiger, Bayern's first of the evening. A somewhat satirical jeer, Arsenal fans really were left with nothing to feed on, their best efforts left unrewarded.

Remarkably, the game seemed to sag temporarily. Bayern were still overwhelmingly in charge, but they seemed content with allowing Arsenal to play into their hands. Arsenal were broken down all too easily in the final third, and the forwards really didn't seem to have a plan B against such a dominant set of defenders. Bayern were perhaps being generous to their hosts by holding fire. It was so nearly 3-0 when Mandzukic headed ever so slightly wide. A real scare for the Gunners, Wenger will have been left flabbergasted by some atrocious defending which gifted the Croatian a free header.

And so the first half ended. A chorus of boos greeted the referee's whistle, but when these faded they were replaced by the trademark "Come On Arsenal" chant in an attempt to rally the team before facing Wenger. Arsenal fans were left to mull over a half which proved disastrous.

A change was needed, and fast. However, Giroud remained benched, as did Oxlade-Chamberlain, as Wenger stuck with his starting lineup. Bayern could afford to be happy with the current score remaining until the end of the game. Arsenal had obviously been given their orders, but realistically they could only be happy with salvaging a draw at best. That is, realistically speaking.

Arsenal begun the half in similar fashion to the first period, confidently. They looked a different team, especially with the fans rallying them. The Arsenal fans had paid dearly for their team, and they could expect better in all honesty. You might expect Bayern to charge between £62-£123, not Arsenal. And then the breakthrough. A soft corner (which was never a corner to be honest) was nodded in by German LUKAS PODOLSKI, a player very familiar to Munich fans given he is an ex-player. A vital gift, and with 35 or so minutes to play, Arsenal were given a lifeline of the unlikeliest form. Still, at least the Gunners could boast scoring before anyone else against Bayern in 2013.

Muller was booked in the 57th minute, and Bayern began to collect cards. Neuer, usually so confident, flapped at the resultant free kick. For the first time in a long time, Bayern looked slightly at risk. A confident Arsenal side were clutching at every straw they could, seemingly begging for free kicks that had only half a prayer. Bayern were still there though, Javi Martinez's headed effort touching the top of the net. Soon after, Arjen Robben was introduced, Franck Ribery succumbing to the bench, a seemingly stale match for the French maestro.

Robben had expressed his desire to move on from Bayern months ago, but had remained at the German side anyway. Since joining the field of play, he see,ed to want to have the ball almost instantaneously. And who could blame him, a renowned finisher in England and Germany, he could bury the tie for Bayern.
However for the time being, Arsenal refused to be buried just yet. Arsene Wenger was criticised for waiting so long to make a change on Saturday. And yet, he again waited until the 70th minute, bringing on Tomas Rosicky and Olivier Giroud at the expense of Aaron Ramsey and Likas Podolski.

Giroud could have scored instantly, a sweet volley from Walcott's delicious cross, Manuel Neuer saving well. As poor a first half performance as Arsenal produced, they could take solace in their second half performance. They unlocked Bayern on numerous occasions, demonstrating a kind of attacking daringness that simply didn't exist in the first period.

But Arsenal's bubble was burst as rapidly as it had been fabricated. A low drive from Lahm that ricocheted in off MARIO MANDZUKIC, whistling into the net in peculiar fashion. A bitter blow that was reminiscent of Arsenal's season. For all the potential on show from Arsenal, a team of greater quality was there bossing the show, closing the game out when necessary. Bayern were simply better, but Arsenal's deep weaknesses surveyed in the first half will not go away so easily.

As the Arsenal fans filtered out of the stadium, the game petered to an end almost as quickly. Boos rang out around the Emirates, and the stadium was being made a fortress by the exstatic and frankly brilliant Bayern Munich fans. The final score after all that hype: Arsenal 1-3 FC Bayern Munich

Where do we go from here? How can someone best analyse such a damaging result? Rather simply, I'd say. Arsenal were simply outplayed, out-passed, out-thought and outclassed from start to end. There were hints of positivity, especially that period of 20 minutes in the second half, but realistically Bayern had so much more about them. Arsenal should be worried considering they were made mugs in their own backyard; it doesn't bear thinking what Bayern will do at the Allianz Arena.

This game says nothing about Arsenal's ambitions in the Champions League; in reality, to beat a team like Bayern Munich requires strength, character and an ounce of luck. The real implications of this game are of the defeat to Blackburn on Saturday, and the strength of Arsenal's squad as a whole. To exit the FA Cup to a team of Blackburn's quality is simply inconceivable, and it places added pressure on Arsene Wenger and Arsenal FC as a whole. Maybe the pressure Wenger is receiving is unjust, it can certainly be argued so. However, I believe that should Arsenal not progress further in the Champions League, Wenger should feel obligated to accept that his squad is weak and need freshening up. To stay ambitious requires ability to compete with the top clubs, and Arsenal simply aren't doing that. They haven't dispatched a top European side from this competition since AC Milan in 2008; it speaks volumes when you consider how many of those players are still at the club.

What does Arsenal's season hold now? Well, for the time being they still have a Champions league knock-out tie second leg to play. But in reality, Arsenal fans may be asking for something that just isn't doable. Let's just say that it has been arguably the most catastrophic few days for Gooners since...well since 2012 really. Same old Arsenal, same old, same old.

Woe is me, t'have seen what I have seen, see what I see! Shakespeare is turning in his grave.