The controversy ignited immediately after Jurrien Timber’s header found the net for Arsenal, with Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer convinced he was the victim of a clear foul in the build-up.
Neuer, a veteran known for his composure, admitted the situation was frustrating. He acknowledged the instinct to exaggerate contact, something he rarely does, but maintained a player must play until the whistle blows, hoping for a potential free kick.
Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, echoed Neuer’s sentiments, stating the goal shouldn’t have stood. He argued Timber impeded Neuer before the ball was even in the air, disrupting his coordination and preventing a legitimate attempt to save the shot.
Eberl, however, didn’t diminish Arsenal’s overall performance. He conceded that while the first goal was questionable, the Gunners’ relentless pressure and chaotic attacking style ultimately deserved the win, proving nearly impossible to defend against.
The Arsenal attack, Eberl observed, thrives on unpredictable movement and overwhelming numbers in key areas. Opponents are left constantly guessing, unable to anticipate the next surge forward.
Adding to Arsenal’s potency, Eberl highlighted the exceptional crossing ability of players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. He pointed to their remarkable set-piece success rate – a staggering 50% of their goals in the last two years – as evidence of dedicated training and tactical prowess.
Peter Schmeichel, the legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, sided firmly with Bayern’s complaint. He declared the contact from Timber a blatant push that threw Neuer off balance, directly leading to the goal.
Not everyone agreed. Former Bayern Munich and Germany star Michael Ballack saw the incident as a standard challenge, insufficient to warrant a foul call. He believed the goal was legitimately earned.
The debate raged on, a testament to the fine margins that often decide crucial matches. While opinions differed on the legality of the opening goal, the underlying truth remained: Arsenal’s dynamic and relentless attack proved too much for Bayern to handle.
