MUNICH – Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal side to use the “pain” of their Champions League quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich on April 17 to fuel their English Premier League title bid.
The Gunners failed to clinch a first semi-final appearance since 2009, as Joshua Kimmich’s second-half header gave Bayern a 1-0 second-leg win and a 3-2 aggregate success.
“We were very close, that is the reality. It’s painful, but we have to learn from this. We had our moments, especially in the first half,” Arteta said.
“The players gave their best, we didn’t have that magical moment that we need in the competition.
“In the first leg, we conceded two avoidable goals, which had a significant impact on the draw. We were still alive when we arrived here, but the margins are so fine. A mistake or a moment makes the difference.”
It was a bitter evening in Munich for Arteta, who had dreamt of leading Arsenal to their maiden Champions League crown.
After a blistering run carried them to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League last eight, they have endured a nightmare week.
Arsenal were below their best in the 2-2 first-leg draw with Bayern, then surrendered pole position in the Premier League after a damaging 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa at the Emirates on April 14.
After another underwhelming display in Germany, Arteta has to find a way to lift his team’s shattered morale in time for a last push for the English title. They lie two points behind leaders and defending champions Manchester City with six games to go.
In the Champions League, the Gunners largely acquitted themselves well following a lengthy absence from European football’s elite club competition.
They won their group ahead of PSV Eindhoven, Lens and Sevilla before beating Porto on penalties in the last 16.
But Arteta conceded that a lack of experience in the latter stages of the competition proved a key factor against Bayern.
“We haven’t been in this position for 14 years, we haven’t played in the Champions League for seven years. There’s a reason for that. Today’s match will make us better,” the Spaniard said.
Arsenal have little time to lick their wounds with the title race approaching a gripping conclusion. Third-placed Liverpool trail the Gunners only on goal difference, with all three clubs having six games left.
With City playing Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend, Arteta’s side have a chance to return to first place if they win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 20.
Arteta has told his tired troops to embrace the opportunity to chase Arsenal’s first Premier League crown for 20 years.
“It’s a very difficult schedule for everybody. We have to go through the pain tonight, and tomorrow get up and come with the same attitude that we came with here,” he said. “I can guarantee you by tomorrow we’re fully focused on Wolves and everybody is lifted.”
Departing Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel said he was relieved after his team’s victory.
“The semi-final is a huge step. Great joy and great relief,” he said.
“These are special moments. We beat one of the top Premier League clubs. We will have to see what this win does to the club. The season is not yet over.” AFP, REUTERS
