Joshua Kimmich Takes Aim at Arsenal as Bayern Munich Prepare for Another Huge Champions League Battle
Joshua Kimmich has questioned Arsenal’s playing style ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Mikel Arteta’s side, reigniting the debate about whether the Gunners rely too heavily on set pieces, long balls and physical battles.
Arsenal have established themselves as one of Europe’s most competitive teams under Mikel Arteta, but their approach has not convinced everyone. Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich previously criticised the Gunners’ tactics after Bayern’s 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in November 2025. His comments attracted considerable attention among football supporters and created another talking point ahead of the clubs’ next European meeting.
According to reports, Kimmich argued that Arsenal approach matches differently from Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting that the London club place considerable emphasis on set pieces, long balls and winning second balls.
His remarks sparked discussion among supporters, with Arsenal fans defending their team’s tactical discipline while Bayern supporters considered whether the German champions had been caught out by Arteta’s approach.
Kimmich Questions Arsenal’s Style of Football
Kimmich is one of Bayern Munich’s most experienced midfielders, known for his passing ability, tactical intelligence and understanding of different football systems.
Having competed against some of Europe’s leading clubs, the Germany international understands how difficult it can be to control a match against an organised opponent.
However, his assessment of Arsenal highlighted a difference between the football he prefers to play against and the approach he believes the Gunners use.
Following Bayern’s defeat in November 2025, Kimmich reportedly suggested that Arsenal depend heavily on set pieces and long balls while placing significant importance on physical duels and second balls.
Although the comments were critical, they also revealed how Arsenal’s tactical approach can frustrate technically gifted opponents.
Arsenal have increasingly focused on defensive organisation, physical strength, coordinated pressing and creating opportunities from corners and free kicks.
These qualities have become important elements of their identity under Arteta.
For the Gunners, however, the objective is straightforward: win matches, compete for trophies and find ways to overcome different opponents.
Whether those victories come through intricate passing combinations, counterattacks or set pieces, every method has a place in modern football.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Strength Becomes a Talking Point
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Arsenal is their effectiveness from set pieces.
Corners and free kicks can decide matches, particularly when two teams are closely matched and clear opportunities are difficult to create.
Arsenal have invested considerable attention in these situations, developing coordinated movements and using the physical qualities of players such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Their approach can create problems for opponents who struggle to defend deliveries into the penalty area.
Kimmich’s reported criticism therefore raises an important question: should a team be criticised for repeatedly using a tactic that produces results?
From Arsenal’s perspective, the answer is likely to depend on the expectations placed on the club.
Supporters want attractive football, but they also want consistent victories and major trophies.
Arteta’s responsibility is to build a team capable of competing against Europe’s strongest sides, even when opponents attempt to prevent Arsenal from playing their preferred football.
Set pieces are one way to achieve that objective.
Bayern Munich themselves understand the importance of exploiting every available opportunity. At the highest level, small tactical advantages can determine the outcome of an entire campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s Response to the Criticism
Arteta has previously responded calmly to questions about Kimmich’s assessment.
Rather than treating the comments as a personal dispute, the Arsenal manager explained that the way both teams approach a match influences the type of football that develops.
Different tactical systems naturally produce different patterns of play.
When teams press aggressively, defend high up the pitch or follow opponents closely, the available passing options can change dramatically.
Arsenal’s rotations, movement and attempts to exploit space can also encourage opponents to defend in particular ways.
Consequently, a match between two elite clubs does not always resemble a free-flowing contest built around long passing sequences.
Sometimes the game becomes a battle for territory, possession after clearances and control of important spaces.
Arteta’s response reflected his view that both teams contribute to the tactical character of a match.
Rather than abandoning a successful approach because an opponent dislikes it, Arsenal must decide which strategies give them the best chance of winning.
Bayern Munich Want a Different Result
Bayern Munich will have their own reasons for approaching another meeting with Arsenal seriously.
The German club possesses a rich European history and expects to compete for the Champions League every season.
Their squad combines experienced international players with talented attacking footballers capable of changing matches through individual quality.
Harry Kane offers a major goal threat, while Kimmich provides control and distribution from midfield.
Luis DÃaz can stretch opposing defences with his pace and direct running.
However, Bayern cannot rely entirely on their attacking reputation when facing an organised team like Arsenal.
The Gunners have demonstrated that they can defend compactly, compete physically and punish opponents who leave spaces behind their defensive line.
Bayern will need patience, accurate passing and intelligent movement to create opportunities.
They must also remain alert when defending corners and free kicks, particularly against an Arsenal side that has made these situations an important part of its attacking strategy.
The Importance of the Midfield Battle
The contest between the two teams could be influenced heavily by the midfield.
Kimmich’s ability to distribute the ball and control the tempo makes him an important figure for Bayern.
His decisions can determine whether the German side build attacks patiently or attempt to move the ball forward quickly.
Arsenal, meanwhile, possess midfielders capable of pressing opponents, protecting their defence and progressing possession into dangerous areas.
Declan Rice’s physical presence and defensive awareness can help Arsenal compete against powerful opposition, while Martin Ødegaard’s creativity can provide opportunities between the lines when available.
The challenge for both teams will be to establish control without leaving their defensive structure exposed.
If Bayern dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances, Arsenal could become increasingly comfortable.
If Arsenal win possession and transition quickly, Bayern may be forced to defend spaces they would prefer to occupy with their attacking players.
This tactical battle could prove just as important as the individual performances of the forwards.
Arsenal Must Let Their Football Do the Talking
Kimmich’s comments have created an opportunity for Arsenal to demonstrate their quality on the pitch.
Football debates often become emotional, especially when established European clubs disagree about tactics and playing styles.
However, criticism does not automatically make a team weaker, just as praise does not guarantee success.
Arsenal must continue concentrating on their performances, improving their weaknesses and preparing carefully for difficult fixtures.
Arteta will expect his players to remain disciplined and avoid becoming distracted by outside commentary.
The club’s ambitions require consistency across domestic and European competitions, where every opponent presents different challenges.
If Arsenal can maintain their defensive organisation while improving their attacking combinations, they will give themselves more opportunities to succeed against Bayern and other leading European teams.
Their ability to adapt will be particularly important when opponents attempt to limit their preferred passing patterns.
A Rivalry Built on Respect and Competition
The relationship between Arsenal and Bayern Munich has produced several memorable European encounters.
Both clubs have experienced periods of success, and their meetings regularly attract attention because of the quality of their squads.
Bayern have traditionally relied on their attacking strength and European experience, while Arsenal under Arteta have developed a more structured approach built around possession, pressing and defensive organisation.
These differences make the tactical contest particularly interesting.
Kimmich is entitled to express his opinion about the football he encounters, just as Arsenal’s players and coaching staff can defend the methods they believe will help them win.
Ultimately, the result on the pitch matters more than the arguments surrounding it.
Supporters will want their teams to demonstrate superiority through performance, discipline and the ability to take advantage of opportunities.
Final Verdict
Joshua Kimmich’s reported criticism of Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces, long balls and second balls has reignited the debate about Arteta’s tactical approach.
For Arsenal, the criticism presents a familiar challenge: continue developing their style while proving they can compete with Europe’s strongest clubs.
For Bayern Munich, the priority is to find ways to overcome Arsenal’s organisation and prevent the Gunners from exploiting their weaknesses.
Neither side can afford to underestimate the other.
Arsenal’s supporters will believe their team’s tactical discipline deserves recognition, while Bayern’s fans will expect their players to respond positively.
When the teams meet, the football itself will provide the clearest answer.
Regardless of the debate surrounding their methods, both clubs know that success in the Champions League requires more than reputation. It requires quality, concentration, adaptability and the ability to deliver when the pressure is highest.
