"We lacked a little bit of strength" - Arsenal's Arteta on Sporting game

Arsenal will need to win at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg against Sporting CP to book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals. The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw by the Portuguese side.

Mikel Arteta spoke to the press to talk about his feelings after the game: "We had periods in the game where we were in a lot of control, but we lacked a little bit of strength in the final third because obviously we had to adjust today with the players we did not have available.

"I think we conceded two very poor goals that we have to do better on and show much more determination to defend our box in those moments. At that level away from home, it puts the tie in a really difficult position but we managed to react. We had periods in the second half where we were much better," he added.

"Giving them hope like we did, especially with a lot of giveaways in our own half, that were too risky and it’s not worth playing the balls that we played especially against a team that wants to press the way they did. We learnt some things that we can do better at Emirates Stadium," Arteta concluded.

 

March 9, 2023