One Night in Munich and Weekend Super 6.

Hello people and welcome to a brand new Strike, this week I am going to be talking about my trip to Munich for the Champions league tie between Bayern Munich and Arsenal and my experiences of the beautiful City from the people, the food and the tasty beer. I will also be giving my predictions for the weekend.


On Wednesday morning , I was up bright and early for my first ever European away day and to say I was excited was an understatement. I've never been to Germany so I was looking forward to seeing what was like and getting to go to the Allianz Arena was something I was buzzing for. So I got on my Train to St Pancras and the first thing I done was open an ice cold can of cider and the looks I got from certain people was amusing but I really wasn't bothered because having a drink on the way to football is the norm for me and many other football fanatics.

Once I got to St Pancras, it was the journey on the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow Terminal 5, where my excitement for Munich really kicked in. The flight to Munich is a reasonably short one, only about an hour and a half. As we were approaching landing, I looked out the window and could see this luminous red building that stood out like a sore thumb, The Allianz Arena. We got through Passport control and hailed a taxi to take us to the ground, which was about an half hour journey and the cost of the Taxi wasn't to bad. The big red building was getting closer and it really is difficult to explain just how magnificent the stadium is. We pulled up and I had my Arsenal shirt and there were some Munich fans on the other side of the road who were laughing and shouting at us, in a very friendly manner.

It was very calm going into the ground and there was minimal police presence and no segregation between the two sets of fans. As you go into the stadium, everyone gets searched and that didn't bother me in the slightest but there was no queuing or delays. The concourse outside the blocks was again something I haven't experienced at a football match, no segregation and even the toilets there was both sets of fans. We grabbed a non alcoholic beer which was lovely and if you didn't know it didn't have any alcohol, you would have thought it was a proper pint. It was all civil and the Germans have got it right on football, treat people like adults and 99% of people will act like one.


The Atmosphere in the ground was amazing and the Arsenal fans were fantastic and in full voice and even though the night didn't turn out how we would have wanted, the fans sung throughout. Bayern Munich are a world class team and they remind me of when your playing Fifa online against someone and they are just on a different level. If Mesut Ozil's goal would have been given then maybe it would have been a different outcome but on the night, we just came up short and it wasn't helped by the injuries to key players and we didn't have a strong bench and when they can bring on Arjen Robben and Arturo Vidal then says just how strong their team is.  I can't fault the players as they put in 100% and they all came over to the away section and received a very good response.

I absolutely loved Munich, the people were so friendly and couldn't do enough for you. I am not a massive beer drinker but their stuff is on a different level compared to what I am used to. If you ever get the chance to go there then do it because it is a lovely place with lots to do and see, I will be definitely going back.



Predictions!


Bournemouth 2 - 2 Newcastle United - This is a 6 pointer, both sides need a win and I can see a lot of goals here, Bournemouth need to start playing the football that got them up in the first place and Newcastle just need to learn how to defend but I don't think this one will be a game for defending.


Manchester United 2 - 0 West Brom - I watched a bit of the game against Moscow and I am still convinced by United. Rooney may have scored but they didn't look good at all and if it wasn't for some good keeping by David De Gea and some excellent covering by Chris Smalling then I have no doubt they would have lost. I think they will win this one though but The Baggies will cause problems and I wouldn't be surprised to see them nick a goal.


West Ham 2 - 2 Everton - Another game that could have a few goals in it. West Ham were shocking at Watford and could have lost by more. Everton blew Sunderland away last Sunday and I think Kone will grab another goal here. I see a thriller here.


Stoke City 2 - 1 Chelsea - Chelsea may have won midweek but I don't see them winning here, they look awful in the league and I don't see Diego Costa scoring another goal, his dive against Kiev was embarrassing. Eden Hazard looks lost and he was dropped in the Champions league so will be interesting to see if he is called up. Stoke have been in strange form and they were awful against Watford last time they played at home but I really think they will pile more pressure on Jose's side.


Arsenal 3 - 1 Tottenham - The Gunners are a different beast in the League this year and although it was a disappointing night in Munich, I can't see anything other than a home win. Spurs have been good form recently, got to give them credit but I just don't see them getting anything but I do see Harry Kane getting one.


Liverpool 2 - 1 Crystal Palace - Liverpool will be in confident after their fantastic display at Chelsea last time out. Palace are without a win in 4 games and I just can't see them getting a result here.


Thank you for reading! I will be back over the weekend!