Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Score and Reaction from 2015 Champions League

Bayern Munich thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, as the Bundesliga champions displayed their potential for winning the tournament.  

Goals from Robert Lewandowski, David Alaba, Arjen Robben and two from Thomas Muller wrapped the points up for the Bavarians, but Arsenal grabbed a consolation through Olivier Giroud.

Robben and Arturo Vidal started on the bench for coach Pep Guardiola as he fielded a stellar lineup, with Lewandowski leading the line with Thomas Muller.

The visiting Gunners were missing first choice defenders Hector Bellerin and Laurent Koscielny, as Mathieu Debuchy and Gabriel deputised. Joel Campbell also gained a rare start for Arsenal in place of the absent Theo Walcott.

CHRISTOF STACHE/Getty Images

The home side immediately shot out of the blocks, as Arsenal were forced to defend deep in their final third. 

It took Bayern only 10 minutes to obtain the lead as Lewandowski headed past Petr Cech. Thiago Alcantara created the chance for the prolific Pole, and the striker flicked home the curling cross.

Squawka highlighted Thiago's European contributions:

GUENTER SCHIFFMANN/Getty Images

Arsenal thought they had equalised two minutes later; Mesut Ozil appeared to have scored with a header, but the official ruled he had used his arm, and the German was booked for deliberate handball.

Bayern made it two on the night after 29 minutes, as the Bundesliga leaders overloaded the Arsenal area. The ball dropped at the feet of Muller in the danger zone, and the forward's deflected shot nestled past the helpless Cech. 

The goals keep flowing for Muller, per WhoScored.com:

Journalist Piers Morgan was not happy about what he was seeing from the team he supports:

Bayern looked full of menace and swagger every time they strutted forward, and the Gunners looked tepid and fearful. 

The Arsenal midfield were second best at every turn, and Lewandowski and Muller's movement gave the north London side a case of twisted blood.

Presenter Gary Lineker was not hopeful for coach Arsene Wenger's team:

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

Cech appeared to have kept Arsenal in the match just before half-time, tipping over Muller's effort from eight yards with aplomb, but it was 3-0 seconds later after Alaba struck from distance to find the top corner.

The Austrian tackled two Arsenal players to win the ball, and the defender positioned the ball on his left foot, smashing the strike home. 

Football writer Liam Canning was in awe of Guardiola's men as the referee blew for half-time:

"

What’s beyond terrifying is that this looks like a training regime for Bayern. Look so relaxed and controlled in possession.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) November 4, 2015"

Tactics blogger and professional coach Matt Whitehouse was scathing of the Gunners:

"

Seeing the difference in quality here aren't we?! Bayern teaching Arsenal a serious lesson. Arsenal woeful.

— Whitehouse Address (@The_W_Address) November 4, 2015"

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe highlighted the gap between the two sides:

WhoScored shared the vital statistics at half-time, as Bayern appeared home and dry after only 45 minutes of football:

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern were in no mood to take their foot of the gas in the second half, but the Gunners looked more organised as they opened the game up.

However, it was the Germans who displayed their supremacy once more, as substitute Robben neatly chipped home his side's fourth.

The ball was fed into the area by Alaba, and the flying Dutchman controlled his finish to perfection. 

Opta recognised Robben's quick contribution:

The Gunners finally had an effort to cheer after 68 minutes as Olivier Giroud scored a well-taken bicycle kick. 

The Frenchman controlled the ball on his chest from 10 yards out and acrobatically arched backwards to strike the ball, finishing with class. 

Arsenal improved their territory in the final part of the match, but it was too little, too late for Wenger's team, who were well beaten.

Bayern almost made it five when Robben rounded Cech, but the winger was tackled by Mathieu Debuchy before he could finish. However, a quick breakaway from Muller stretched the fractured Arsenal defence, and the German slotted his effort away to complete the visitors' embarrassment. 

Guardiola's men saw out the final seconds in calm control, and the Gunners now face an uphill task to qualify for the knockouts.

Post-Match Reaction

Guardiola was ecstatic at the final whistle and in his post-match press conference, eulogising about his team's effort and win, per the club's official Twitter feed:

Bayern and Arsenal both feature on Tuesday, Nov. 24 on Matchday 5, as the Gunners host Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates, and the Bundesliga outfit travel to Olympiakos.