Dries Mertens was not impressed by Arsenal enough to back them for the Europa League title this season.
The Gunners beat Napoli 0-1 at the San Paolo Stadium to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition. A freekick goal from Alexandre Lacazette sealed their spot in the next round with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline.
“The first 10-15 minutes, we had a few chances to score and that would’ve changed everything,” Mertens said after the match (translated by Football Italia).
“We conceded a goal and our heads dropped. We said in the locker room that we still believed because Arsenal aren’t that good. There isn’t a real gap between us. We got it very wrong at the Emirates and that ruined everything.
“We weren’t well set out, Arsenal took advantage and we tried everything to make up for it, but they defended well.
“I don’t know what we are lacking. We have to realise we are normal players, we’re doing well and the fans mustn’t criticise us.
“We are second, we went out of the Champions League by one goal. Let’s get our feet on the ground and look forward.”
Unai Emery pushed for a defensive strategy on Thursday night after picking up a 2-goal advantage in the first leg. Arsenal held their own against a very lacklustre Napoli side who not only missed crucial scoring opportunities but even had major trouble creating for themselves.
The Gunners were their usual self in defence, a far too open for comfort but they ended up getting the job done. Now, they are set to face Valencia in the semi-finals, who put 5 goals past Villareal across the two legs of the quarterfinals.
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