Arsene Wenger Talks Arsenal Champions League Hopes After Loss to Bayern Munich

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger was humble in defeat after his side were crushed 5-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The Gunners boss was complimentary of the winners on Wednesday night but highlighted his players' shortcomings in contribution to the final result.

Wenger added he feels his team can still rescue their European campaign despite needing a herculean effort in the final two matches, as quoted by the club's official Twitter account:

The Frenchman was forced to watch his team labour as the Germans looked like potential winners of the tournament, producing a ruthless display.   

It seemed it would be a difficult night from the opening whistle at the Allianz Arena, as Bayern flew forward as the north Londoners appeared overwhelmed. 

Polish international Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring early in the match, flicking his header past the helpless Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, and it was soon 2-0 as Thomas Muller popped up in the box to swivel and score with a deflected shot.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

David Alaba produced the moment of the match just before half-time, stealing the ball from two Arsenal players, hitting a blockbuster effort into the top corner from outside of the box—all but guaranteeing the win for Bayern.

Arjen Robben made it 4-0 early in the second half, coming on as a substitute and finishing with his first touch. 

Alaba was once again pivotal, feeding the Dutchman in the penalty area, leaving the winger to expertly chip the ball into the roof of Cech's net.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's consolation of the night, as the French striker's bicycle kick flew past Manuel Neuer. 

The attacker controlled a cross on his chest and finished with an acrobatic kick to give his side a faint chance of a late comeback.

However, it was the Germans who finished off the scoring on the night; Muller romped away from the Arsenal defence as Bayern broke with pace, and the player showed his world-class pedigree as he slotted away. 

WhoScored.com provided the vital statistics from the game, displaying the one-sided nature of the affair:

Football writer Liam Canning highlighted the gulf of class between the sides during the tie:

It's back to the drawing board for Wenger, who will be hoping the viciousness of the defeat does not derail Arsenal's Premier League challenge.

These were the Gunners who capitulate every season, looking out of ideas after the opening kick of the match.

The London side did retain possession in a more productive manner as the game continued, but they never looked capable of hurting the Bundesliga champions. 

It looks bleak for Arsenal in terms of qualification, and a Europa League berth appears the most likely outcome for Wenger's men.