Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker feels the tactics Arsenal employed against Bayern in their 2-0 victory in the UCL, took everyone by surprise.
Arsenal welcomed Bayern to the Emirates on the back of consecutive UCL group losses and in need of a win to keep qualifying for the second stage alive.
The gunners sat deep and only had 27% possession, but goals from Giroud and Ozil, gave them a much needed win against Bayern.
“Nobody expected us to stand that deep and to catch them with counter attacks,” he said in the mixed zone.
“This was our gameplan and it was a good one. We wanted to hold the 0-0 scoreline as long as possible. Sometime later – we did know that – we would get our chance. We are really happy of our performance. We were a unity.
“It’s impossible to shut Bayern off for 90 minutes. We did not allow them much and defended well. You have to keep Bayern as calm as possible [before hitting them], this was the key.”
Arsenal must travel to Allianz Arena for the reverse fixture at the start of November, and Mertesacker feels their confidence will now be raised on the back of an impressive 2-0 victory.
“To defeat this club in this way raises our self-confidence. We will travel to Munich with chests out,” the 31-year-old continued.
“It was [felt like] a release in the Champions League. We go step by step. The chance to get to the round of 16 is now bigger.”
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