Martin Keown bemoans 'flat' Arsenal performance after Bayern Munich loss - 'They didn't lay a glove on them'

Martin Keown bemoaned a "hugely disappointing" and "flat" performance from Arsenal as they lost to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Joshua Kimmich’s goal in the second leg proved the difference as Bayern won 3-2 on aggregate.

Arsenal created few clear chances as they missed out on the opportunity to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.

“It was hugely disappointing,” said former Arsenal defender and TNT Sports expert Keown.

“They were quite flat within the game and there was no real urgency in those closing stages. It just feels like they didn't really lay a glove on them in the second leg.

“It was there for whoever wanted it and I think Bayern then came out with that extra resolve, more direct, and they posed much more of a threat than Arsenal did.”

Mikel Arteta's side might have been fancied to beat Bayern over two legs given the domestic form of both sides this season.

While Arsenal are contending for the Premier League title, Bayern have seen Bayer Leverkusen already win the Bundesliga and had several key players out with injury.

However, Keown believes Bayern’s experience at this stage of the Champions League helped them over the line.

“Arsenal just lack that experience in those moments,” he said.

“They have come up short again when it really matters, and that's why it hurts so much.

“I think the cautiousness of the game really helped Bayern to sort of say ‘OK, let's change gear’ in the second half, and Arsenal never really did that.

“They contained Arsenal. It was just such a flat performance, even at the end.”

He added: "This is a young team developing, so it's very difficult for them to bridge that gap tonight against a Bayern Munich team that's been here many times before.

"It's a bit ahead of Arsenal but I don't think Arteta can be questioned, he is doing a very good job."

Arsenal will now focus their efforts on overhauling Manchester City and winning the Premier League title.

TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves thinks they had a “huge opportunity” against his former side Bayern but didn’t create enough chances to go through.

“I do think experience played a big part,” he said.

“This is a really good Arsenal team, but they're still a young team in these games and I think it probably showed over the two legs.

“There's no shame in going out against Bayern but I think when they reflect on the game there was a chance for them to go and win the game.

“I know it's tough when you go to Munich, but there was a chance for them and you think about the beautiful attacking players, they didn't really create anything in the game.

“But in the end, when you go to Munich, you know it's gonna be tough and I felt Bayern were the better side.”

Bayern will play Real Madrid in the semi-final after the Spanish giants beat Manchester City on a penalty shootout.

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