Arsenal haven't made it easy for themselves in the Europa League knockout stages this season. After winning all of their group games, the Gunners have lost or drawn at least one of their legs since the round of 32.
It bodes well after a first leg defeat in Villarreal. Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol fired the hosts into a 2-0 lead inside half an hour, before Dani Ceballos was sent off but an improved last 30 minutes from Arsenal saw them hit back.
Pepe scored from the penalty spot - Arsenal had another penalty chalked off by VAR in the first half - before former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue was sent off for Villarreal.
Arsenal have also progressed from each of their last two European knockout ties where they lost the first leg - 0-1 against BATE Borisov in February 2019 in the Europa League and 1-3 versus Rennes in March 2019 in the same competition.
However, Arsenal have won only one of their three home knockout games and have failed to win in their last five matches at the Emirates since a 2-1 win against Tottenham in the North London derby.
"There have been many factors," Arteta said when asked about defensives issues at home. "Errors has been one of the main ones. We have conceded some set-pieces as well and with other teams not creating much, they have managed to score a goal."
Post a Comment