“We tried against a team that had a lot of experience, the margins across the tie have been very small. We made a mistake defending the box and we conceded a goal.The club hasn’t been in the Champions League for seven years, and in the first year back [we are expected to] play in the semi-final and final.”-Mikel Arteta reveals what he believes cost Arsenal against Bayern Munich.

Mikel Arteta acknowledges that Arsenal’s lack of experience was evident in their defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals.

This was underscored by the fact that prior to this match, Arsenal had not progressed to the quarterfinal stage in 14 years.

Despite their success in overcoming FC Porto in the round of 16, Bayern Munich posed a significantly greater challenge due to their experienced squad and a manager with a previous Champions League victory in 2021.

Facing Bayern at the Allianz Arena following a draw at the Emirates Stadium was always going to be daunting for Arsenal.

Despite a commendable performance, Bayern held a slight advantage, which ultimately proved decisive in the tie’s outcome. Arteta, reflecting on the match, highlighted the narrow margins throughout the tie and admitted to a defensive mistake that led to conceding a crucial goal.

Arteta’s remarks, as reported by The Sun, emphasize the reality of Arsenal’s situation. The club’s absence from the Champions League for seven years had left them with a significant gap in experience at the highest level of European competition.

Arteta pointed out that despite the club’s eagerness to progress to the semi-finals or final in their first season back in the tournament, such achievements often take time, as evidenced by other clubs taking six or seven years to reach that stage.

In the face of disappointment, there remains optimism for the future. Arteta recognizes that Arsenal’s squad is young and still in the process of learning and development. Despite the setback in Munich, there is determination to bounce back stronger in the future campaigns, with the hope of progressing further in the competition.

This acknowledgment reflects a mindset of resilience and determination to continue improving and competing at the highest level in European football.