Mikel Arteta has stressed that Arsenal were not sidetracked by their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid after they played out a 1-1 draw with Brentford, a result that significantly hampers their Premier League title ambitions on Saturday.
Arteta’s team required a win at the Emirates Stadium to keep their slim chances of catching the league leaders, Liverpool, alive.
Though Thomas Partey seized the initiative with an opener in the 61st minute, Yoane Wissa replied for Brentford in the 74th minute to level the match.
The Gunners seemed off their usual pace, struggling to replicate the ferocious intensity that led them to a 3-0 victory over Real in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals just three days prior.
With the second leg looming on Wednesday, it would have been understandable for the Arsenal squad to be distracted. However, Arteta dismissed that notion.
“From the way the players were feeling, certainly not. To prepare well, you need to perform at your best and secure a win in the next game,” he stated.
“We’re disappointed with the outcome. We controlled the game entirely but conceded a very avoidable goal. It wasn’t up to standard, and against this team, if you don’t do your job, you’ll pay the price.”
“In terms of attitude, even when we were down to 10 men, we had two major chances to score. You can’t attribute that to a lack of energy.”
“We’re accustomed to playing every three days, so there’s really no excuse regarding fatigue.”
Arsenal have secured only two victories in their last seven league fixtures, effectively presenting the title to Liverpool.
The Reds currently sit 10 points ahead of Arsenal, who have just six matches remaining compared to Liverpool’s seven.
If Liverpool triumph over West Ham at Anfield on Sunday and Arsenal falter at Ipswich on April 20th, then Arne Slot’s squad will clinch the championship if they emerge victorious against Leicester later that day.
“Definitely a missed opportunity because we aimed to win and enhance our position in the league. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve that,” Arteta remarked.
“We must be self-critical, particularly regarding how we allowed the goal to happen.”
“Now, we need to recuperate properly and prepare for the most significant match of the season (against Madrid).”
Arteta may face a selection dilemma for the Santiago Bernabéu as Jorginho sustained an injury in the final minutes against Brentford.
“I’m unsure. He indicated he couldn’t breathe properly, so it could be related to one of his ribs,” Arteta explained.
“It’s unusual because Jorgi usually powers through, so it suggests something serious, I believe.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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