Arteta: Use Bayern 'pain' to fuel Premiere League push

MUNICH, Germany — Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the "pain" of its Champions League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich to fuel its Premier League title bid.

Arteta's side failed to clinch a first semifinal appearance since 2009 as Joshua Kimmich's second half header gave Bayern a 1-0 second leg win and a 3-2 aggregate success.

It was a bitter evening in Munich for Arteta and his players, who had dreamed of leading Arsenal to its maiden Champions League crown.

After a blistering run carried it to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League last eight, Arsenal has endured a nightmare week.

It was below its best in the 2-2 first leg draw with Bayern, then surrendered pole position in the Premier League after conceding two late goals in a 2-0 home defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.

After producing another underwhelming display in Germany, Arteta has to find a way to lift his team's shattered morale in time for a last push for the English title.

"We were very close, that is the reality. It's painful, but we have to learn from this. We had our moments, especially in the first half," Arteta said.

"The players gave their best, we didn't have that magical moment that we need in the competition.

"In the first leg, we conceded two avoidable goals, which had a significant impact on the tie.

"We were still alive when we arrived here. The margins are so fine. A single mistake, or a moment, makes the difference."

After a lengthy absence from the Champions League, Arsenal largely acquitted itself well.

'Still beautiful'

It won its group ahead of PSV Eindhoven, Lens and Sevilla before beating Porto on penalties in the last 16.

But, Arteta conceded that a lack of experience in the latter stages of the competition proved to be a key factor against Bayern, a six-time European champion that is a perennial contender for the trophy.

"We haven't been in this position for 14 years, we haven't played in the Champions League for seven years. There's a reason for that. Today's match will make us better," he said.

"I think we have the capacity and the quality to be in the semifinal. When you look historically, it took other clubs seven, eight or 10 years to do it in the Champions League.

"It's easy to praise the players and say nice things when we win 10 in a row (in the Premier League).

"However, now is the time to get behind them and be next to them."

Arsenal has little time to lick its wounds, with the title race approaching its gripping conclusion.

Arteta's side is in second place, two points behind leader Man City.

Third placed Liverpool trails Arsenal on goal difference, with all three clubs having six games left.

With City playing Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals this weekend, the Gunners have a chance to return to first place if they win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Arteta has told his tired troops to embrace the opportunity of chasing Arsenal's first Premier League crown for 20 years.

"What we have to play for (in the Premier League) is still beautiful. We have six games to go and we are two points behind City," he said.

"It's a very difficult schedule for everybody. We have to go through the pain tonight, and tomorrow get up and have the same attitude that we came here with.

"I can guarantee you, by tomorrow, we're fully focused on Wolves and everybody is lifted."

AFP