Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Per Mertesacker warns Arsenal to be wary of ‘angry’ Bayern
The sides meet again in the Champions League on Wednesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Confidence is running high at Arsenal after they recorded their fifth Premier League win in a row at Swansea, but their Germany international defender Per Mertesacker has warned his team-mates to beware of a backlash from Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Joel Campbell enabled Arsène Wenger’s side to bounce straight back after their shock midweek defeat by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.
The win keeps them level on points with leaders Manchester City and was the perfect start to a pivotal week for Wenger’s men, which sees them take on Bayern before welcoming north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal gave themselves a good chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stages with a superb 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side at home two weeks ago, but Mertesacker is wary of the threat Bayern pose.
“They [Bayern] will be angry,” said Mertesacker, who returned to captain the side at the Liberty Stadium after missing the 2-1 win over Everton. “We were the first team who really challenged them and beat them.
“We showed we can beat them, that’s a good sign, but it will be a different game at their place. They will try to show they are better than us. It will be a tough game.”
Despite Saturday’s scoreline, Arsenal did not have things all their own way. Swansea dominated the first half but French striker Bafétimbi Gomis wasted a glorious chance to put Garry Monk’s side ahead midway through the half when he hesitated after being put through on goal by Jonjo Shelvey.
The visitors regained their composure after the break, but Mertesacker admits they have not yet shown they are genuine title contenders.
“We haven’t proved anything yet, we have to take it game by game,” he said. “Over the last couple of years we lost a few games, especially away from home, and it looked different at the top of the table.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments