Where does Arsenal go from here?

This defeat is a very tough pill to swallow. I had this sinking feeling most of the game, especially after the B/R Live match commentator predicted that “Arsenal will make at least two defensive mistakes that could lead to goals before the game is over.” After that comment, I sat in my chair and waited for the enviable. And, boom, boom, there they were. Two set piece goals allowed due because of poor defending.

The Gunners played right into the Olympiacos game plan throughout the first half. We had a lot of possession, but no shots on target. The second half was much of the same, even after some fresh legs were substituted into the game by Mikel Arteta. Through extra time the home club searched for a tiring goal, until the one and only game changer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the back of the net, leveling the score. 6 minutes later, our bubble burst when Youssef El Arabi tapped the game winner past Bernd Leno to send Olympiacos into the Round of 16. The Emirates went silent.

This is tough. After a string a good performances we had high expectations for this game. With only a 1-0 lead after the first leg there was no way the Gunners would play this match so overwhelming below average. I expect this will create a hangover for a few days, but Arteta must hold them accountable for their poor play, and then get them prepared for another cup match on Monday v League One Portsmouth.

Arteta addressed this following the game, “I will try and show them what happened in the game and where the game could have finished, and the things that we didn’t do to finish the game the way that is should have finished. Hopefully, it’s part of the process to learn from and improve as a team.”

To me, one of the most glaring things to watch in today’s game was the play of Nicolas Pepe. He would take the ball, sprint down the field, and then attempt to put on a dribbling exhibition. Doesn’t he know the Arsenal way is to make crisp, quick passes to slice open the defense. This was so frustrating to watch, and it made it so easy for the Greek side to defend. This showmanship issue must be addressed and fixed.

So, on we go. The defeat will lighten our fixture load for the rest of the season, however, we must now set back and watch Manchester United and Wolves continue their pursuits of Europa League glory.

No cheers tonight. Gunner1953