Bayern Munich 0 Arsenal 2: We kept going and kept believing, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s belief and determination after the Gunners were knocked out of the Champions League on away goals by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Olivier Giroud got the Gunners off to the perfect start when he netted from close range in the third minute to reduce the 3-1 deficit from the first leg at The Emirates.

Bayern had chances to score but were foiled by stand-in Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, and when Laurent Koscielny headed home the visitors’ second in the 86th minute, the comeback was nearly complete.

But the Bundesliga leaders used all their big-game experience to wind the clock down and send Arsenal packing at the last-16 stage for the third consecutive season.

“We kept going and we kept believing. It was mentally a very difficult game to manage,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

“It was tough for them because they didn’t know what to do, attack or defend. Maybe with 10 minutes more we could have had a better chance.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Carl Jenkinson insisted the north London side could be proud of their efforts in Munich.

“We knew it was important that we kept it tight at the back and we did that. We really thought we could do it,” added Jenkinson.

“I’m proud of the boys and the effort we put in. We’ve come here and won 2-0 and were close to doing it.”