Arsenal’s Europa League exit has brought “clarity” to their season, and the squad must now focus on their Premier League title challenge, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon drew 1-1 in London and finished the tie 3-3 on aggregate before Sporting Lisbon advanced to the quarter-finals with a 5-3 shootout win.
Arsenal has been eliminated from all three cup competitions in which they have competed, but they are five points clear in the league and on course to win their first English title since 2004.
They have 11 games remaining, beginning with a visit from Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“It’s a huge blow, but it clarifies the season,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website. “There are 11 games to play for, 11 Premier League games, and a big final against Crystal Palace. The focus and energy must be present, and lessons must be learned from tonight.
“… we must learn from it, but the most important thing is to show the same commitment, more quality, and play better against Palace in order to beat them.”
On Thursday, Arteta was dealt a double blow when Takehiro Tomiyasu had to be replaced early in the game and fellow defender William Saliba limped off shortly after.
“Tomiyasu appears to be quite serious, based on his immediate reaction and what he said to me,” Arteta told reporters.
Obviously, it is still early and difficult to predict. William, I’m not sure. He was in pain and couldn’t continue, so we had to remove him.”
