Eagle-eyed fans thought Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich rubbed salt in Arsenal wounds by apparently mocking Bukayo Saka after scoring the quarter-final winner against the Gunners
Fans think Bayern Munich hero Joshua Kimmich mocked Bukayo Saka’s ‘trademark limp’ after knocking out Arsenal.
The Gunners’ Champions League dream came to an end on Wednesday after a 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena. Following an evenly matched first half, Bayern’s dominance grew and their pressure eventually paid off with Kimmich heading in at the back post in the 63rd minute.
Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win on aggregate, with Arsenal’s key players having failed to turn up on the night. Saka was one of them - and the usually dependable winger’s lacklustre corner for Arsenal’s final attack epitomising his side’s woes.
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Now viral footage has shown Kimmich talking to team-mate Thomas Muller at the final whistle and appearing to stutter with his walk. And fans online believe the Bayern defender was mocking the 22-year-old.
One X user wrote: “The s***housery from Kimmich doing Saka’s signature move,” while another tweeted: “Dunked on Saka then hit his signature move, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
A third added: “No way this is real lmao,” while a fourth mockingly wrote: “He cooked Saka in under 2 secs.”
Furious Arsenal fans responded by commenting: “Saka lives rent free in your head because he’s a world class player,” and: “Kimmich be rest assured that karma is real. You will meet yours in the semis.”
The perceived dig at Saka comes after rival football fans in recent weeks poked fun at the England international for apparently walking off the pitch gingerly whenever he has had a bad performance. Saka revealed recently that he has been struggling with injury, having also pulled out of England’s squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March.
Bayern will face record 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in the next round over two legs. Madrid caused a huge upset on Wednesday by defeating Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad.