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.
However, there was one instance where his judgment was beaten by Martinelli’s anticipation and deft touch to go around the Bayern goalie. In such a situation the risk and reward are very high. It allows nearly all of the team to push into the opposition’s half, however it runs the risk of leaving the goal open. The third goal buried Bayern’s chances of comeback considering how the Bavarians had been playing in the second half.
After the match, Manuel Neuer commented (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) on his thought process during that moment. “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,” recounted Neuer on the moment that led to Arsenal’s third goal.
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