Bayern Munich produced a European masterclass to take a commanding 3-1 lead over Arsenal after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had hit out at critics following his side’s FA Cup exit at home to Blackburn, but there was to be no redemption as the Germans were superior in every department.
An early strike from midfielder Toni Kroos handed the Bundesliga leaders a crucial away goal, which was doubled when Thomas Muller stabbed home from close range.
Arsenal, with England forward Theo Walcott initially deployed as central striker, rallied briefly in the second half after they reduced the arrears with a header from Lukas Podolski against his former club.
However, after substitute Olivier Giroud fired a great chance straight at Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer from point-blank range, the Germans cut through the home side again on 77 minutes as Mario Mandzukic scrambled in a third to effectively end the contest, and almost certainly Arsenal’s last faint hope of ending an eight-season trophy drought.
Wenger must now lift his beleaguered players for the Barclays Premier League run-in as they seek to finish in the top four.
In last night’s other first leg, Joao Moutinho’s second-half goal earned Porto a narrow lead to take to Spain for the second leg with Malaga.