Arsenal performed out an enthralling 2-2 attract in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-remaining versus Bayern Munich. In an motion-packed match total of drama, the Gunners unsuccessful to consolidate following taking an early lead by Bukayo Saka and have been supplied a actuality check out by the Bundesliga heavyweights.
It was an exceptionally speedy-paced, close-to-conclusion activity in which both of the sides could have won. Arsenal had been furious for seemingly becoming denied a late penalty – which could’ve supplied them the get heading to the Allianz Arena. Nevertheless, what was most notable is how vulnerable the Gunners seemed defensively.
For a side that has retained 4 thoroughly clean sheets in seven Champions League online games in advance of this, only conceding four goals, they seemed uncharestically shaky. Their midfield was overrun by Bayern’s blistering counter-attacks. Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane tormented their backline with their motion, even though Serge Gnabry regained his swagger from his previous club.
Arsenal did not look the impenetrable defensive monster they’ve been in new weeks. Effectively, if a single was to inquire some Gooners, that is since of the existence of a ghost of their previous at the stadium. It turns out that former Arsenal centre-back again Shkodran Mustafi was essentially current at the Emirates for this big Champions League match.
The previous Gunner stunned lots of enthusiasts by remaining spotted on the Emirates Stadium pitch ahead of the video game. Mustafi has a little bit of a infamous track record between the Arsenal trustworthy, mostly thanks to his controversial stint at the club. The German centre-back gained a bad track record for building terrible errors, specifically in large matches, and some supporters thought he held the club down before leaving in 2021.
Mustafi noticed his career spiral downward immediately after leaving North London. In the very last couple of decades, he’s had forgettable stints at Schalke and Levante and been persistently plagued with injuries. The 31-calendar year-outdated was released by Levante very last summer months and is however a cost-free agent searching for a way again into football.
But he did not come to the Emirates Stadium as to root for the Gunners or consider to come across himself a new club – but on obligation as a pundit. It turns out that Mustafi has essentially been working as a pundit for Amazon Key Movie Germany for the last yr or so. For individuals unknowing, Amazon Primary at the moment holds the legal rights to broadcast 17 reside Champions League matches in Germany every time – with DAZN holding the legal rights to broadcast the bulk of matches.
Mustafi has been performing in a freelance purpose for Amazon Key Online video Germany to be an specialist pundit for significant Champions League matches. In advance of this, he had also labored as a pundit for Borussia Dortmund’s match in opposition to Newcastle United in the Champions League group levels. Moreover, he’s also been operating as a pundit for a few Bundesliga matches considering that previous 12 months to retain a supply of revenue alive.
The ex-Germany centre-back again wore a attractive whole coat and dressed in all-black for this substantial recreation showcasing his former aspect. Mustafi, of system, is familiar with all much too perfectly about the relevance of this fixture – obtaining been element of the Arsenal staff that tasted a 10-2 combination loss to Bayern in the 2016/17 Champions League Round of 16 phases.
The centre-back offered some expert evaluation ahead of the recreation, as effectively as showcasing in Amazon’s 50 %-time exhibit and post-match display as properly. He was there to deduce the goals or important functions and also mentioned that Saka should’ve attained a late penalty and that the winger is not one who ‘falls easily’ – having performed with him for a small little bit during his time at Arsenal.
Mustafi also seems to have angered a great deal of Bayern enthusiasts, who lambasted him for his post-match feedback and there have been calls for him to quit staying referred to as as an qualified in this sort of Champions League matches. Properly, with neither Arsenal nor Bayern fans wanting the ex-Germany star anywhere in the vicinity of the pitch for the second leg – it remains to be noticed if Mustafi receives this punditry gig for the heated 2nd leg at the Allianz Arena.