Mikel Arteta reveals the reason why Arsenal got knocked out of Europe by Villarreal

Arsenal was on Thursday knocked out of the UEFA Europa League in the semi finals by Villarreal who won 2-1 on aggregate. The 2nd leg took place at the Emirates Stadium with the gunners going to it while trailing 2-1 from the first game that was in Spain and they failed to score the needed goal to progress to the final. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faced the media after the game and talked about what made them lose.

Arsenal came into the game while knowing that all they needed to do was score just one goal without conceding to go through but they however struggled to create that many of chances at the Emirates Stadium as despite a promising start to the game, Villarreal later got more confidence and also started attacking and never looked to be under any bit of intense pressure in the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not make any changes at the start of the second half and the gunners did show a lot more commitment in the second half but it was still not enough to crack the defence of the visitors who were determined to keep their lead on aggregate. Aubameyang got the best chance of the game in the last few minutes but it however hit the post and he was then subbed off. The match ended 0-0 with Villarreal going through hence Mikel Arteta’s position at the club being uncertain. The Spanish boss was asked what went wrong after the game and he explained that they deserved to win but that they failed to convert their chances.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“We are devastated, really disappointed, but we have to congratulate Villarreal. We tried everything until the last minute. I think over two legs & what happened today in the second-half, I think we deserved to win the game, but the details defined this tie.” Mikel Arteta told BT SPORT after the game.

“When we had the opportunities, we didn’t score. We hit the post twice, we had three big chances. They didn’t have anything but they are through.”