Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he side were “very close” to pulling off a remarkable turnaround after defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday but still bowing out of the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners had lost the first leg in London 3-1, leaving them with plenty to do in the return in Munich, however Olivier Giroud gave them early hope after Theo Walcott’s third-minute cutback.
Laurent Koscielny added a second on 86 minutes with a header from a corner to ensure a tight finale but they couldn’t get the third, eventually bowing out on away goals.
“We were very close tonight. Maybe we were lucky at times, but in the last 20 minutes Gervinho, Cazorla and Giroud had good chances to score,” Wenger said.
“The spirit and attitude of my players was excellent. However, in the first leg we conceded a soft third goal. Without that, the tie may have been different.
“It is a shame to go out, but the performance, clean sheet and defensive display were very good. We gave the ball away at times when we shouldn’t have, but overall I was quite happy.”