Arsenal conceded three times in 10 second-half minutes as their Champions League hopes all but evaporated in a crushing 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 meeting.
Arsene Wenger's side were level at the break, Alexis Sanchez scoring after his initial penalty was saved, to respond to Arjen Robben's scorching opener, but an injury to Laurent Koscielny early in the second half prompted a humiliating collapse which only adds to the intense debate about Wenger's future.
Thiago Alcantara scored twice, with Robert Lewandowski also getting on the scoresheet and Thomas Muller scoring late on to ensure a repeat of the 5-1 scoreline between the two clubs in Munich last season. That came in the group stages; this abject evening will ensure Arsenal are eliminated at the last-16 stage for the seventh season in a row.
Positives
An away goal? The confirmation that Koscielny is a very important player? Nope. This was a terrible night to rank up with Wenger's worst. If you were clutching at straws you could highlight the impressive response in the last 20 minutes of the first half, when Arsenal still looked very much in the tie. But there are no silver linings to be found here.
Negatives
The collapse which has likely sent Arsenal spinning out of the Champions League was simply embarrassing. Without Koscielny, Arsenal crumbled, all their mental frailties on show for all to see. The second-half performance was generally terrible with all belief and confidence deserting Wenger's men. There was no fight and no sense that Arsenal had any idea how to manage the game.
Manager rating
2 -- The first-half approach wasn't too bad as Arsenal sat deep to absorb Bayern's pressure and looked to exploit any opportunities on the break. But the second half showcased the aching vulnerability that has become Arsenal's trademark in the second half of the manager's reign. It was a desperate display, without any direction, and that comes from the manager.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David Ospina, 6 -- Was given the nod instead of Petr Cech again in Europe and had absolutely no chance of stopping Robben's stunning opener or the subsequent two goals. Got a toe to the fourth from Thiago but a deflection off Xhaka made it very difficult.
DF Hector Bellerin, 5 -- The Allianz Arena howled when a cross caught his hand on 35 minutes but there was no intent. Bellerin defended astutely in the first half and timed it well when joining the attack. He was not at fault for Arsenal's implosion but he didn't do anything to shake off their stupor.
DF Shkodran Mustafi, 3 -- Received a first-half booking for a clumsy challenge through the back of Thiago. Looked fairly composed in the face of some relentless Bayern pressure until Koscielny went off, but was beaten in the air by Lewandowski for the second goal and was woefully weak for Thiago's second as he failed to clear.
DF Laurent Koscielny, 6 -- Defended stoutly, robbing Lewandowski with one particularly excellent challenge on 15 minutes, before winning the penalty from the same player when he nicked the ball out of his feet and drew a foul. His night came to an unfortunate end on 49 minutes when he hurt himself in another challenge with Lewandowski and Arsenal promptly collapsed without him.
DF Kieran Gibbs, 5 -- Could have put more pressure on Robben for the opening goal, even if it was largely Coquelin's fault. Took the captain's armband after Koscielny went off and got away with a handball to clear a Robben shot on 62 minutes. He struggled with the Dutchman and Philipp Lahm all night.
MF Francis Coquelin, 4 -- The Frenchman was at fault for Robben's early goal as he took a step the wrong way which allowed the winger onto his trusty left foot. He couldn't impose himself on Bayern at all and contributed little in midfield. Woeful.
MF Granit Xhaka, 5 -- The first half hour passed him by as Arsenal were overwhelmed in midfield, but he at least had a fierce drive saved by Manuel Neuer on 39 minutes. Was unfortunate to see the ball deflect off him for the fourth.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 4 -- Just when Arsenal were trying to convince themselves that 4-1 might somehow be salvageable, Oxlade-Chamberlain lost possession just outside his own box to allow Thomas Muller to score. His recent good form deserted him in a big way.
MF Mesut Ozil, 5 -- Was selected as a second striker after much debate over whether he would be dropped altogether. As well as having a fine shot saved in first-half injury time, he notably dropped deep on 39 minutes to tackle Thiago -- something of a rarity. But he drifted out of the game in the second half and the big occasion passed him by.
MF Alex Iwobi, 4 -- Was barely an influence on the match before being hooked for Walcott. The night was far too big for him.
FW Alexis Sanchez, 6 -- Needed three attempts to score on 30 minutes as his penalty was saved, he swung and missed at the rebound and then took another touch before slotting home. He supplied some threat on the counter-attack and was always cajoling his teammates forward. Never stopped running.
Substitutes
DF Gabriel Paulista (for Koscielny, 49), 3 -- Made an unexpected appearance and Arsenal promptly conceded three times, the second of which saw Gabriel embarrassed by Lewandowski's back-heel.
FW Theo Walcott (for Iwobi, 66) 5 -- Couldn't change the course of the match and got little joy up against David Alaba.
FW Olivier Giroud (for Coquelin, 77) N/A -- Gave Arsenal something different but Bayern coped with him fairly easily.
