In reply to: Because Arsenal needed a goal. posted by ndroman21
...the margins are just so thin against good teams. Bayern, despite their struggles this year, are still an excellent team with absurd individual talent.
Raya had a pretty bad day. Don't know what he was doing so high up the pitch when he still had defenders in front of the ball. And both the goal and the Bayern chance off the post went right through him. He really should have been down for both, IMHO as a former keeper. Make them at least elevate the ball.
Just clear the damn ball upfield when you see the keeper out of position. Put it 50 rows up. Don't take a poorly footed turn and make a bad pass on the ground.
Raya had no need to come up for that ball and confuse Gabriel.
Gabriel rushed more than he needed to. He had both Raya and Saliba inside and wasn't under tremendous pressure. Could've easily taken an extra touch and played that ball. Or, as you note, just clear it OOB and give your teammates time to get back into shape.
Kiowor was flat-footed and should've done better with the pass. Once he didn't get it, he should've reacted to defend faster.
Arsenal wasn't quite ready for the bright lights, I think. They are young and inexperienced, after all.
It's a learning experience for most of those players. The line between winning and losing in CL knockouts tends to be a very fine one.