Ordinary Bayern give reckless Arsenal hope

More than that the issue is a collctive one. "We need to defend better as a team," said Vieira. He has a point. Bayern were afforded too much space and time at periods.

What was really disappointing was Arsenal's lack of verve, tempo and adventure - the qualities that have served Arsenal so well in the Premiership. Tactically, Wenger was criticised for linking Freddie Ljungberg with Thierry Henry as the strike force. Ljungberg plays the same role - successfully - with Sweden, but neither he nor Henry can thrive without service.

It would do no harm for someone to have a quiet word with Jose Reyes about his approach in recent months. His body language suggests he would rather be anywhere other than England, but he would do well to remember that Arsenal have afforded him a lifestyle only a few can better.

"Get a grip and get your head down," might well be Wenger's paraphrased message to the homesick Spaniard. Sympathy will not be in plentiful supply on the North Bank.

Yet Reyes can still play his part in what would be Arsenal's version of the Great Escape. Wenger can take comfort in several factors that will be in his favour in the second leg.

The domestic ban already imposed on Dennis Bergkamp and likely to be repeated on Reyes following his contribution to the brawl against Sheffield United, will mean both will feel refreshed for the Bayern game.

Much may depend on Bergkamp, who missed Tuesday's match while if anyone owes Arsenal a performance, it is Reyes. Also back in the starting line-up will be Ashley Cole, who after suffering from flu only played the last seven minutes as a substitute in Germany. Gael Clichy has proved a magnificent deputy, showing a maturity beyond his 19 years, but Cole has the know-how and has faced this sort of pressure before.

Although history is against Arsenal, there have been rare occasions when teams have overturned a two-goal deficit. Last season, Monaco lost the first leg to Real Madrid 4-2 but triumphed in the return 3-1 to go through, while in 1970 Arsenal won the European Fairs Cup, now the UEFA Cup, thanks to a comeback. Trailing Anderlecht 3-1 after the first leg of the final, they won the return at Highbury 3-0.

Bayern were dismayed at Toure's late strike. Club president Franz Beckenbauer called it a vital goal and Bayern manager Felix Magath was fuming. Now Arsenal must make use of that lifeline - but they will have to do so without the experience of Edu. The Brazilian midfielder, who suffered a hamstring strain in Munich, will be out for three weeks.