The Gunners midfielder was proud of his team-mates’ defensive efforts but concedes the second goal may well have killed the tie against Bayern Munich

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has praised his team-mates’ defensive work against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, but was left frustrated by the Bavarians’ second goal.
The Gunners were matching their Bundesliga rivals during an even start to the first half, before Mesut Ozil’s tame penalty was comfortably saved by Manuel Neuer before Wojciech Szczesny saw red for a foul on Arjen Robben only for David Alaba to miss the resulting spot-kick.

Goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller saw Bayern home – the latter scoring in the dying minutes – but Flamini was still proud of the north Londoners’ display as they attempted to shut out Pep Guardiola’s side with 10 men.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m very proud of the way we defended especially in the second half. We conceded the penalty and of course playing 10 against 11 it was more difficult.

“I’m disappointed because I think 1-0 would have been great for us because we could go over there and try to score the goal. Now we are 2-0 down it will be difficult but as footballers we have to learn.

“But I am proud of the team and the way everyone worked hard today.”