Match Reaction: Bayern Munich 5 Arsenal 1

[Marc Overmars]

I think we'll bounce back on Sunday. Afterall the Olympiakos defeat was more humiliating than this and we followed that up by beating United.

The only way failure in the CL is going to wash is if we continue to be consistent in the league and pick up big results along the way as well. Don't be surprised if we sack off the FA Cup too, WUMger wants the league because he knows he might not get a better chance.

[LDG]

I think we'll bounce back on Sunday. Afterall the Olympiakos defeat was more humiliating than this and we followed that up by beating United.

The only way failure in the CL is going to wash is if we continue to be consistent in the league and pick up big results along the way as well. Don't be surprised if sack off the FA Cup as well, WUMger wants the league because he knows he might not get a better chance.

I think so too. It's quite transparent really. He's really hedging his bets though.

He knows we can't compete in all of the comps at top level, but by throwing it all at the league, he's playing with fire, given our injury rate.

If he really wants the league, he'll have to spend in January.

[Power n Glory]

Me too. Despite that I think a lot of folks are really underestimating the Europa League, there are some very good teams in it this season, CL level teams like Dortmund, Napoli, Villareal, Ajax & Basle, aswell as domestic rivals like Liverpool and Spuds. If we end up in it we have no guarantees of winning it. I'd have Dortmund down as the favourites even if we enter it, they have been very good this season.

That's partly why I think the rule devalues the competition. It won't be easy to win but it doesn't get that much respect and I think it's partly down to CL rejects.

[Marc Overmars]

If he really wants the league, he'll have to spend in January.

Wilshere and Welbeck will be like new signings.

[Letters]

I think we'll bounce back on Sunday. Afterall the Olympiakos defeat was more humiliating than this and we followed that up by beating United.

The only way failure in the CL is going to wash is if we continue to be consistent in the league and pick up big results along the way as well. Don't be surprised if we sack off the FA Cup too, WUMger wants the league because he knows he might not get a better chance.

Aye. I'm disappointed we got such a humping but it's all about the league for me this season. We've been looking good of late, keep up there and I think we have a chance.

[Marc Overmars]

That's partly why I think the rule devalues the competition. It won't be easy to win but it doesn't get that much respect and I think it's partly down to CL rejects.

I've always thought it should mirror the CL by having 32 teams and 32 teams only. Might add some prestige by making it more exclusive and most importantly would do away with the perception of it being a bloated competition.

[Bumble]

Expected us to lose. And it doesn't really make much difference to qualifying. Bayern still need to win to guarantee top of the group so they will beat Olympiakos and that leaves us to do it in Greece. and Wenger when it really really matters to stay in/qualify for the Champions League we pull it out of the bag.

Robben is a horrible type of player but I do wish we had him. I think he would add so much to the team plus our penalty count would go up.

[Kano]

Fair point, but with Chelsea out of the picture for now..and I would assume for the season it gives us one less team to worry about.

I personally think this season is our best chance of a proper crack at the title. We need a fit and healthy squad which we don't have at the moment and I just think adding a distraction of the Europa League would just complicate thing for us.

I do see where you are coming from and our previous collapses have been as you described, but we have our strongest squad in years IMO, it's just all about managing them and ensuring we don't get hit with these recurring muscular injuries.

My opinion is that we are in deep shit right now with injuries and unless we get bodies back I think the collapse may well start now.

There will be some strong sides left in the competition but I think we are the equal if not better than most of them and that gives us a greater chance of winning it than the CL where the top 3 - Bayern/Real/Barca are leagues ahead of everyone.

Aside from any logic I try to prescribe to my argument, I also just want to see us have a good go at a European competition. I want to see how we fare against teams from other countries, instead of the same shit in the PL every season. The Europa is derided in the UK but that is by the same media who preach this is The Best League In The World©. The same press who have lauded Rooney and the England team ahead of countless tournaments. It's just good old English arrogance on our island, looking down at everyone else, deluded in our own bubble. On the continent it is treated with more respect, despite the drop-ins from the CL and if we reach the semi/final then I guarantee interest from our fans would change. 1994, 1995, 2000 and 2006 - added to our threadbare history in Europe means we are missing a key link in growing the clubs stature. If we can't do it in the CL - which has become clear enough under Wenger - then we should at least do it in the next best thing.

[GP]

See, here's the thing - I don't really want to be in the Europa League. But if we do drop into it, I really, really want to win it.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Last night proved that whilst we have a first XI that can take on anyone, we have an atrociously weak squad

We've ruined Debuchy, we are hoping that lighting strikes twice with Campbell (turns out to be another Coquelin) and we are beasting our players

I am disappointed how easily we wilted but I don't think any of us seriously expected a positive result last night.

We have a big wage bill, far too big to house the dross that we do.

It all points to a manager who just isn't proactive, doesn't innovate or try to change his methods.