Heynckes savours 'deserved' win over Arsenal

By FOX Sports Staff

The Bavarians started the game brightly with an early goal from Toni Kroos and went into the break with a two-goal lead after Thomas Muller struck in the 21st minute. Former Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski managed to pull a goal back for Arsenal after heading home Jack Wilshere's corner kick but Mario Mandzukic scored in the 77th minute to seal the win for his side.

Heynckes was visibly delighted with the win, especially given Bayern's dubious record against English oppositions in the continental competition.

"The 3-1 result is richly deserved. Last year we reached the final - this can only be done by having class and maturity. Beating an English team 3-1 in England constitutes a big success. FC Bayern's history shows that they have had difficulties here in the past." he told Uefa's official website.

"We had a great start to the game and gave an excellent display, especially in the first half, but you could also see that Arsenal are a good side and that we had to roll up our sleeves and work hard.

"In the second half we were always capable of running attacks and threatening to score. It is uncommon for us to concede a goal after a set piece because we have clear routines for them. Usually I am very meticulous when it comes to set pieces, but there was a lot of shuffling and shoving and then such a goal can happen."

Kroos reflected his manager's sentiments in revelling in an 'outstanding' performance but also rued the goal conceded.

"We have played an outstanding match against a top European side" said the 23-year-old. "We have played very competently, even though there was a short phase before and maybe for fifteen minutes after the break, where Arsenal were in the ascendancy, but they did not really create anything. Conceding such a goal is a pity, it should not happen."

Arsenal and Bayern Munich meet at the Allianz Arena on March 13 in the second leg of the last-16 tie.