Mikel Arteta makes surprise 'dominance' claim after Bayern Munich vs Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been speaking after Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, admitting he has struggled to lift his dressing room following the defeat.

The Gunners put in a disappointing display in Bavaria, rarely threatening their hosts, who progressed to the semi-finals thanks to Joshua Kimmich’s second-half header. The Germany international was afforded a free header in a box full of Arsenal players, but even putting aside the goal, the Gunners did not turn up in Munich.

Despite that being the general consensus, Arteta believes his men ‘dominated’ parts of the game and could have won on another day. “At the moment, it's a really gutted and disappointing dressing room,” said the Spaniard, speaking to TNT Sports. “I cannot find the right words to lift them - I wish I could. We have to go through it.

“We tried against a team that has a lot of experience, and through the tie, I think the margins have been very small. We have given them two goals in a tie that it is a big advantage to give away. The margin of error was zero today and we did not mark in the box and we gave away the goal. We tried in many ways, but it's difficult, and it's the moment to stay next to the players and to give them support, because they are the ones that took us on this journey.”

He added: “It has to be (a moment of magic), or a mistake from them. That's what usually unlocks this tie. We could have done it, I think we were better than them and we had a lot of moments of dominance, but that spark around the box is what you need around the box in these ties.”

Arsenal have not played in the Champions League for seven years, and while they have fallen at the quarter-final stage, they have progressed, something Arteta was keen to highlight. “The club has been without playing Champions League for seven years,” he continued. “You want to play in the first year and see the fans at the final. We all wanted that so badly, but you can see with many other clubs that it takes maybe six or seven years to get to that stage. But that's the reality.”

Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Premier League, chasing down Manchester City, who were also eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday night, losing at home to Real Madrid on penalties. “What we have to play is beautiful,” said Arteta. “There are six games to go, and we are two points behind City. It's a very difficult schedule for everybody. It's a difficult night for everybody, but we have to get up and come with the same attitude as we came here (with) and, hopefully, beat Wolves."