"Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer is credited with establishing the sweeper-keeper role as an indispensable part of the game. However, this style of goalkeeping comes with a high risk of leaving the goal open. In the Champions League fixture, Gabriel Martinelli managed to exploit this risk with some incredible anticipation to score Arsenal's third goal and seal their 3-1 victory over Bayern."
"As Bayern were running out of options to crack Arsenal's defence open, they were forced to push higher with more men. With the best sweeper keeper in their ranks, it made the backline more confident to go higher up. And, Neuer to his credit, did make crucial interceptions far away from his line. With Arsenal playing long passes after dispossessing Bayern, Neuer's sweeping ability was a significant defensive tool."
"We had to take more risks in that moment of the game. The pass was good, it wasn't too long. I saw that Martinelli was running against Jo [Kimmich]. He's a bit faster than Jo, so it would've been a 1v1 and a big chance. I tried to anticipate it, but he [Martinelli] took a touch, which was crucial - and in the end I wasn't in the right position,"
Manuel Neuer's sweeper-keeper approach allowed Bayern's backline to push higher and offered crucial interceptions far from goal, supporting an aggressive defensive shape. Bayern pushed more players forward as they struggled to break Arsenal down, increasing reliance on Neuer's sweeping. Arsenal exploited the risk of the advanced goalkeeper with rapid transitions and long passes after regaining possession. Gabriel Martinelli anticipated a through ball, rounded Neuer with a deft touch and finished to make it 3-1, effectively ending Bayern's comeback hopes. Neuer acknowledged the risk, noting Martinelli's pace and his own mistimed positioning in the decisive moment.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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