Arsenal star issues challenge to Bayern Munich ahead of crucial Champions League battle

Theo Walcott believes Arsenal have nothing to fear in Bayern Munich

THEO WALCOTT last night threw down a defiant gauntlet ahead of Tuesday's must-win Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

 

The Arsenal and England striker insisted the Gunners can beat the odds - and the rampant Germans - to keep their slender Euro hopes alive.

Walcott, well aware that they have to win on Tuesday or else, vowed:  "We know we can beat anyone and we’re going to be completely ready for this one.

"We know we are capable of getting results against Bayern Munich and we want to put things right.”

Walcott's rallying cry came as Arsenal face a potentially catastrophic early exit from a competition they were desperate to win.

 

He said: "If everyone is doing their job on the day it is difficult to beat us. We know the talent is there and it always has been. Now it's down to us."

Even though the odds are stacked against the Gunners after two shock defeats by Dynamo Kiev and Olympiacos Walcott revealed that he and his teammates are seriously fired up for Tuesday's make-or-break battle.

He added: “Every game is hard, no matter who you are playing against. We are playing against the best players in the whole of Europe.

"We haven’t started in the Champions League how we would have liked to, but we will work hard to try and put it right.

 

Arsenal have had a dire start to their Champions League campaign

“Playing against Bayern and their quality is going to be a good challenge for us and a difficult game. But  we are at home with our support and we need a similar sort of performance like we had against Manchester United."

Much will depend on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal's leading goalscorer, who will face a fitness test before Tuesday's match.

Manager Arsene Wenger is, however, hoping that Walcott will also live up to his pre-match promise.

 

He said: “What you want from Theo is the commitment he showed against Manchester United in the challenges. If he adds that to his game then he will be difficult to stop."

But the occasion is likely to be marred by a planned pre kick-off protest from Bayern fans - who pay as little as £140  for a season ticket -  angry at the £64 they are being charged to watch the game at The Emirates.

The group FC Bayern Worldwide claim their members will not enter the stadium until five minutes after the match has started in protest at what they consider to be an "excessive" ticket price.