CL: Bayern Munich thrash Arsenal 5-1 to move closer to knockouts

Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (2nd R) celebrates scoring with his team-mates

Munich: Bayern Munich moved a step closer towards booking their place in the knockout stages by thrashing English club Arsenal 5-1 in a Group F match of the Chmapions League at the Allianz Arena here.

The German record champions on Wednesday showed no mercy as Josep Guardiolas' men established a four-goal lead within 55 minutes. Arsenal were able to score their consolation thanks to Olivier Giroud before Thomas Mueller rounded off the 5-1 win with his second goal, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bayern Munich's striker Robert Lewandowski (2nd R) celebrates scoring with his team-mates. Pic/ AFP

Bayern took over control with the starting-whistle to secure a fairy tale start as Robert Lewandowski made use of Thiago Alcantaras cross to head past Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech for his fourth goal of the Champions League season at the 10th minute.

Arsenal thought they restored parity just moments later but Mesut Oezils goal was not allowed due to a handball by the German international.

However, Bayern remained unimpressed and continued to press as Lewandowski came close twice before Mueller rewarded Bayerns dominant performance at the 29th minute. The striker capitalised on Kingsley Comans blocked shot to double the advantage into the bottom corner.

Arsenal failed to put up some resistance allowing the hosts to triple the lead just before the break as David Alabas solo run and curl overcame custodian Cech into the top right corner.

With a four-goal lead behind, Bayern retracted and allowed Arsenal to score consolation after Giroud reduced the arrears with an acrobatic sideways scissor-kick at the 69th minute.

The Bavarians sit atop the standings in Group F with 9 points followed by Olympiacos FC (9 points), Dinamo Zagreb (3 points) and Arensal FC (3 points).