Mikel Arteta labelled Bernd Leno’s mistake as “unacceptable” that led to Arsenal dropping out of the Europa League.
Youssef El-Arabi’s goal late into extra time sealed Olympiacos’ comeback at the Emirates, eliminating the Gunners in the process.
Leno conceded a corner-kick which led to Arteta’s side giving up the advantage. “Yes, obviously he could have kicked it out, but then there is another situation to defend,” said Arteta.
“It’s not only the first phase but it’s the second phase of that corner that we concede and the player steps in and just taps in the ball in the six-yard box, which is unacceptable.”
Both of Olympiacos’ goals came from set-piece situations, bringing into question Arsenal’s defence once again. “It is something that we have to improve on,” said the manager. “We’ve done the most difficult thing to react after that, to play against a team with 10 men behind the ball in 25 metres.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quickly turned from hero to zero when he failed to convert a sitter just seconds away from the final whistle. He gave Arsenal the lead through an incredible back-volley but could not find the net from six yards out the second time.
Arteta added, “Even at the end, we had an incredible opportunity to win it. Had we gone through energy wise, it would have given us a big lift again and [brought] everybody together.
“It is a big disappointment and I am right behind the boys, the way they played, the way they tried. The effort that they put into game was enormous and we have to move forward together.”
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