Per Mertesacker spoke with the media following Wednesday night’s demoralising 5-1 loss in Munich, and credited the Bavarian side’s quality, while also criticising the Gunners’ for failing to replicate the bravery they showed against Bayern at the Emirates.
They scored very early to get into their rhythm and we had nothing against it. They are absolutely amazing in the one-on-ones and made it difficult for us. At home we had much more courage to play the ball with more bravery. It was very difficult and they were brilliant. We have to analyse quickly and get players back quickly, but with this display we are very disappointed.
Mertesacker also talked briefly about Mesut Özil’s disallowed goal that could have changed the complexion of the first half.
They scored too early for us and then they got into their rhythm. That was too difficult for us to go against. We scored the equaliser, but I heard that it was handball. That could have given us a bit more confidence because we played without courage today. That’s very disappointing from our point of view.
Despite the significant setback and Olympiacos’ victory over Dinamo Zagreb, qualification to the knockout rounds is still both mathematically possible and realistically feasible, according to the retired German international.
We have to win both games and get at least two goals at Olympiacos. We’ve been through even more difficult periods before. It’s not over and that’s how we approach the situation now.
However, even before the squad can contemplate the qualification that looms in front of them, they know that they have more immediate concerns in the league, and a huge derby match on Sunday. Mertesacker is confident that this loss will not linger and affect the team’s current stellar run of Premier League form.
That was difficult tonight, but we’ll learn from it as always, bounce back quickly on Sunday, switch off negative energy and fight back.
Arsenal host Spurs in the north London Derby this Sunday at 16:00pm BST. Arsenal defeated the visitors 2-1 in the third round of the League Cup on the strength of a Mathieu Flamini double.
