Kimmich criticizes Arsenal: “They depend on long balls and set pieces”

Joshua Kimmich has expressed his opinion on who has been the most complicated rival for Bayern Munich this season, despite the recent 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League. The Bayern’s German midfielder surprisingly considers Paris Saint-Germain to be the most challenging team, highlighting their style of play as the main differentiating factor.

I think PSG was the toughest. Especially the way they play.

Joshua Kimmich

Bayern suffered their first defeat of the season at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Jurriën Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli. Although Bayern defeated PSG 2-1 earlier this month, Kimmich feels that the Parisian team presented a greater threat and a more football-oriented game. Kimmich, when asked if Arsenal was the toughest team Bayern had faced, responded negatively, arguing that Arsenal has a different approach. The midfielder described Arsenal as a team that “relies on set pieces”, that “loves to play long balls” and “fights for second balls”. Kimmich emphasized that the match against PSG was more similar to a football game, while the match against Arsenal focused more on game management and duels.

Timber’s goal came after a corner from Bukayo Saka, while Martinelli’s third goal was the result of a long ball on the counterattack. Kimmich’s comments come after Arsenal coach Arteta claimed his team beat the “best team in Europe” in Bayern Munich.