Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faced Ex Arsenal coach Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the semi-finals of Europa League. Villareal absolutely bossed the game in the first half. Spanish midfielder, Manu Trigueros got on the scoresheet for Villareal with a powerful strike in the first 5 minutes of the game.
Raul Albiol scored in the 30th minute courtesy of Gerrad Moreno’s deflected header from a corner. Villarreal were 2-0 up at half time. The second half was even more eventful as Dani Ceballos was shown a red card after he fouled Parejo. Arsenal were a man down after the hour mark but Saka won a penalty and Pepe scored to make the final score 2-1.
Arteta, after the game, said:” We didn’t want to come here and lose obviously but the way the game developed, being 2-0 down and with 10 men, it’s probably the best result we could have. They were two different halves. We started to be us. In the first half, there were so many moments that we weren’t us. We weren’t clear with our high press, we were disorganized, we were not precise with the ball and we didn’t have enough control.”
The Spanish Coach further added:” We didn’t have enough threat or desire to attack the box but in the second half it was completely different. We are very used to that (Bukayo Saka playing well) this season, but it tells us we need to do much more as we cannot always rely on him. Bernd Leno was very good, at 2-0, the chance with Gerard Moreno, he saved us, and at the end we had a big chance with Auba to draw the game. I am confident, we have a chance to win [the tie], that’s for sure.”
Arsenal’s away goal could prove very crucial in the second game. If the Gunners score at least once and keep a clean sheet, this away goal can hand them the ticket to final.
