Ribery surprised by ease of Arsenal victory

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted of his surprise by the way the Bundesliga league leaders dismantled Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday night.

Goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic ensured Bayern take a healthy 3-1 advantage back to the Allianz Arena for the second leg in three weeks time.

Ribery (pictured) admits he felt the Gunners lacked the resilience that is normally associated with them after a damaging setback.

The 29-year-old said to Football365.com: “We didn’t think it would be so easy. 

“We know Arsenal are having some problems in the league, maybe they are lacking confidence. 

“We’re all working hard together, with the will to play well, to win together, (and) to defend together.  It’s important to carry on like this.” 

The Frenchman was replaced by Arjen Robben on the hour mark on Tuesday night after another solid, if unspectacular performance on the flanks.

He was a former target of Arsenal after some electric performances in his days as a Marseille player between 2005 and 2007.

Ribery has scored 74 goals and produced 111 assists in his six years as a Bayern player, winning two Bundesliga titles in the process.

A third championship looks all but wrapped up, with the Bavarians a massive 15 points clear of nearest rivals Borussia Dortmund.

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

Comments