“They rely on set-pieces" - Joshua Kimmich says Arsenal weren't toughest opponents; names club that was harder to face

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has named Paris Saint-Germain as the tougher opponent than Arsenal. The Germans suffered their first loss of the season to the Gunners, but took a dig at Mikel Arteta's side.

While speaking to TNT Sports, Kimmich was asked if Arsenal were the toughest opponents Bayern Munich have faced so far this season. He was quick to dismiss it, saying the Gunners rely on set-pieces, and went on to explain why PSG were harder to face, and said (via Metro):

"No, I don’t think so. I think PSG were the toughest one, especially the way they play football. Arsenal is completely different. They rely on set-pieces. They love to play the long balls, they love to fight for the second balls, it was a completely different game."

"Against PSG, it’s more a football game. Today, it was not so much about football, it was about game management, it was more about the duels. The win was well-deserved, but we have to learn from this game."

Bayern Munich had won all their UEFA Champions League matches this season, but were beaten 3-1 by Mikel Arteta's side on Wednesday, November 26. The German side beat PSG 2-1 in the previous game week, and currently sit third in the table, three points behind the Gunners.

Joshua Kimmich compares Arsenal loss ot Chelsea win

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich admitted that they were aware that the Arsenal game would be different from their win over Chelsea earlier this season. He claimed that the Gunners were focused on set-pieces and not creating chances from open play and told German media (via Metro):

"We weren’t physically up to par against the ball, although it was clear what kind of game it would be. It was clear that it wouldn’t be a game like the one against Chelsea, where it’s mostly about playing football, but we were aware that it would be much more about fighting for every ball, lots of long balls."

"Arsenal then of course play every ball sharply, whether it’s a goal kick, a free-kick, a corner, they do it sharply, play everything into the box. They love their set-pieces and go all out for them, yes, we conceded too many set-pieces and then at some point it becomes difficult to defend them all."

The Gunners are the only side to have won all five UEFA Champions League matches this season and sit on top of the table. They face Chelsea next in the Premier League, where they sit six points clear of the Blues.