Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has claimed Arsenal aren’t the most difficult team that Bayern Munich have played in the Champions League so far this season.
The Gunners hosted the German champions on Wednesday night in the Champions League, with many dubbing the game as Europe’s current two best sides going head-to-head on the biggest stage.
It was Arsenal who came out on top, with Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli on the score sheet to mark a monumental night for the current Premier League and Champions League leaders.
Kimmich, though – who played 81 minutes of the match in midfield – has suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t in fact all that.
Speaking after the game, the German, when asked if Arsenal were the best side he had faced, said: ‘No, I don’t think so. I think PSG was the toughest one. Especially the way they play.’
He went onto suggest that Arsenal’s priorities weren’t on football, but on other areas of the game, again comparing them to Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern played the French side in the last round of matches, winning 2-1.
‘Arsenal is completely different,’ Kimmich continued. ‘They rely on set pieces.
‘They love to play long balls. They love to fight for second balls. It was a completely different game against PSG. It was more of a football game.
‘Today was not so much about football. It was more about game management and duels. Arsenal did this really well tonight. Their win was well deserved but we have to learn from this game.’
Arsenal have become known for their set piece abilities, with Timber heading in from a corner on Wednesday night.
Before the game, Arteta had joked that he was ‘upset’ that Arsenal didn’t score from one against Tottenham, despite his side winning 4-1 in the north London derby on Sunday.
‘For me, it is the same value (as open play goals),’ Arteta said. ‘It doesn’t change anything. It is part of the game.
‘In relation to your opposition, that you are playing and how they defend, we have to be very efficient in all departments. Being our best at everything we do, that is the aim.’
