Arsenal recorded just two shots on target in Rome’s clash. While striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted after the game that he should have to found the net.
Arsenal should have won the game
Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal should have taken more than a 1-1 draw from their Europa League clash against Benfica on Wednesday. Bukayo Saka equalised the score two minutes after Benfica took the lead in the first leg of the last-32 tie to put the sides on level terms before the return fixture next week. Arsenal recorded just two shots on target in Rome’s clash. While striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted after the game that he should have to found the net. Arteta was pleased with the way his side threatened Benfica and thinks they should have won the game. He told reporters: “We were very dominant and created some great chances. We have to be more ruthless. It was a shame the way we conceded a goal. We gave them the ball, and then it was 1-1 and all to play for.”
Arteta’s team scored a great goal against Benfica
“We missed the corner and didn’t react quickly enough from the corner and conceded a penalty. Looking at that, it’s hard to judge. We responded well and scored a great goal, and we tried to maintain the level. Both teams dropped in the last 20 minutes. But overall, we have to leave the ground with more”. Arteta will be hoping for a significant improvement in the final third of the field when his squad returns to Premier League action this weekend. Arsenal are set to host leaders Manchester City on Sunday and will need to be much more clinical than they were against Benfica to take three points from Pep Guardiola’s side – who have won their last 17 games on the bounce.
Arsenal are in 10th place in the table, having won two of their last four matches in the English top-flight, and could miss out on a site in the top six unless they can reopen a consistent streak in their previous 14 fixtures. Following the Man City clash, Arteta will begin preparing his team for the return leg against Benfica on February 25 at the Emirates Stadium.