The German media have a lot to say about Tuesday’s 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final….CONTINUE READING
A number of news outlets in Germany are furious after Gabriel Magalhaes picked the ball up inside Arsenal’s box following a pass from David Raya, despite the fact play had technically been restarted by Glenn Nyberg.
Eric Dier and Thomas Tuchel have also questioned that moment – although events somewhat balanced themselves out, as Arsenal were also denied a penalty after Manuel Neuer tripped Bukayo Saka.
Nevertheless, those in the German media appear to feel as if Bayern Munich should have won the first leg of this UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie, as BILD have now delivered some pretty sour player ratings…
Well, it could be down to a lingering pettiness about Gabriel Magalhaes getting away with an apparent handball, but German news outlet BILD have given the Brazilian a woeful rating.
BILD have handed the South American a five rating after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw, which is just one away from the worst possible ranking.
Germany use a system where one is considered the best, and six the worst.
William Saliba was also given a rating of five.
Clearly, BILD did not think much of Arsenal’s centre-back partnership last night, and they have every right to pick them out as Mikel Arteta’s worst performers on the night.
Where did that performance come from?
Fortunately, Leandro Trossard bailed Gabriel and Saliba out, but the defensive duo were far from their usually formidable selves against Bayern Munich.
The France international and the Arsenal No.6 have been simply outstanding in 2024 so far, conceding just four Premier League goals as opponents can barely get a sight of Raya’s goal.
However, Gabriel gave Ben White a horrible pass before Serge Gnabry’s equaliser, before Saliba’s clumsy foul allowed Harry Kane to put Bayern Munich 2-1 ahead from the penalty spot.
Perhaps nerves got to them, as very little else could explain their uncharacteristic performances.
