Arteta urges Arsenal to use Bayern ‘pain’ to fuel title bid

Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah (R) and Arsenal’s English defender #04 Ben White (2R) react with team mates as Bayern Munich’s German midfielder #08 Leon Goretzka (L) celebrates his team’s win at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Arsenal FC in Munich, southern Germany on April 17, 2024. – Bayern Munich won the match 1-0. (Photo by Michaela STACHE / AFP)

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the “pain” of the Champions League quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich to fuel their Premier League title bid.

Arteta’s side failed to clinch a first semi-final 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 their maiden Champions League crown.

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

They were below their 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