Goal frustration: Manuel Neuer explains his slip-up against Arsenal | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer was one of the first to face criticism after FC Bayern’s 3-1 defeat at Arsenal. In the Mixed Zone, the captain analyzed calmly, reflectively and without excuses why the Munich team lost the top match – and which details made the difference in the end. His words clearly showed that it was not the size of the defeat that hurt, but the manner of it.

Neuer took a sober approach to his analysis: „Not good, of course, there’s no question about it. We wanted more.“ The second half in particular clearly showed that Arsenal were more alert, more aggressive and more consistent in crucial moments. „Arsenal deserved to win the match against us, especially in the second half.“

Bayern lost the thread after the break, became more passive and gave Arsenal too many opportunities to play their game. The German record champions were pushed deeper and deeper with set pieces, long balls and constant pressure.

Standards as the key – and the scene at 0:1

photo: Getty Images

According to Neuer, set-pieces were Arsenal’s route to success. „Simple at the key moments,“ the 39-year-old summed up. Bayern conceded too many corners, throw-ins and free-kicks – and against Arsenal, that’s a dangerous game.

The scene before the 0:1 was particularly emblematic for Neuer. He was clearly blocked in the five-metre area and lost his balance as a result. „Of course he throws me off balance, that’s clear,“ said Neuer. „Then I’m in a different position than I would have liked.“ Arsenal deliberately push the boundaries with set pieces, the captain emphasised. The referees know this – but it is rarely whistled.

Neuer is not a goalkeeper who falls theatrically during such contacts, but he admits: „Maybe that would have helped in this situation.“ Nevertheless, he did not want to criticize the referee: „There was no criticism from my side.“

The 1:3 – and Neuer’s deliberate risk



Neuer spoke particularly openly about the third goal conceded, which ultimately decided the game. Arsenal caught Bayern in a classic transitional moment. Gabriel Martinelli ran in deep, Kimmich was challenged one-on-one – and Neuer recognized the scene early.

„I’d already seen that Martinelli was going to run at Jo. That was going to be a big chance,“ he explained. That’s why Neuer decided to move out aggressively: „I tried to eliminate that beforehand.“

But Martinelli’s first contact was perfect and Neuer was too late. „The touch was simply decisive and the pass was good. I can’t get there in the end.“ Neuer made it clear that he consciously took this risk: „I knew I was taking a big risk.“

Neuer was particularly critical of the phase after the break: „We didn’t get back into the game so well after half-time.“ The previously good compactness was lost, the duels tipped in Arsenal’s favour and the intensity was lacking.

Nevertheless, the captain found positives – especially in youngster Lennart Karl: „Lenny does a great job, of course. Or the pass from Serge.“ The scene showed that Bayern can create moments of high quality despite problems.

No drama – but a clear mission

Neuer warned against overreacting. FC Bayern had achieved an excellent starting position in the Champions League, and the defeat did nothing to change that. „We’re not resting on our laurels,“ said the goalkeeper, but he also emphasised that it was not a step backwards, but a painful but valuable reminder of the next steps.

He is now looking ahead. „It’s good that we have the English weeks now,“ he said with a view to the upcoming cup match against St. Pauli. It is now crucial to build up rhythm and implement the lessons from London immediately.