Mikel Arteta ‘devastated’ as Arsenal fall in Europa League semi-final
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Mikel Arteta admitted he was “devastated” after being outwitted by his predecessor, Unai Emery, as Villarreal knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League in last night’s semi final at the Emirates.
The goalless second-leg draw dictated Arsenal exited 2-1 on aggregate, leaving Emery’s Villarreal to celebrate reaching their first major European final. While the Spanish side prepare to face Manchester United in Gdansk later this month, Arsenal’s horizons have contracted and Arteta accepts the near certain lack of European football next season will prompt an inquest in north London.
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“We are devastated, really disappointed,” said Arsenal’s manager whose side – currently a modest ninth in the Premier League – face being excluded from European football for the first season since 1995-96.
“We know how much the Europa League meant to the club and to the fans. It’s a huge blow. I feel the pressure all the time because I want to do as good as I can for the team.”
Asked if he retained faith in his own ability to make a success of the job, Arteta replied: “Yes – I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t.”
In response to an inquiry as to how he would turn the team’s fortunes around and remotivate his players, the manager replied: “You will see. It’s not about talking, it’s about showing it on the pitch.”
Outwardly at least Arteta remained fairly impassive as the possibility of the board sacking him was aired. “I think everybody’s job is always under scrutiny,” he said.
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“I think we deserved to win the game tonight but the details define these ties. We had three big chances and Villarreal didn’t have any but they are through. Today is a big disappointment because we tried everything to be in the final.”
Arteta, who lost Granit Xhaka in the warmup, blamed a rash of injuries and inexperience for what constitutes a major setback.
“For 90% of my players it was the first semi-final in any competition,” he said. “They have to learn from that. I think we were very imprecise with the ball in the first half and probably a bit tense as well. In the second half we were much more dominant.”
Emery is now heading into his fifth Europa League final.
“I’m very proud,” said the manager who has lifted the trophy three times with Sevilla but was sacked by Arsenal in November 2019 . “I think we deserved it.”