Mikel Arteta has begged his Arsenal squad to channel the “rage” from their stunning loss against Bournemouth into their Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Following a shattering 2-1 defeat at home, thanks to second-half strikes by Dean Huijsen and Evanilson that nullified Declan Rice’s initial lead for the Gunners, Wednesday’s return leg in France looms ominously.
This unexpected setback comes on the heels of another Emirates setback after falling 1-0 to PSG last Tuesday, placing their prospects for a top-five Premier League finish, and Champions League participation in jeopardy. Arteta openly admits the fight is far from over, saying: “We have a lot to do, yes, because mathematically we are not qualified (for the Champions League), we haven’t had the right to finish second yet, so we still have a lot to do.
“We didn’t kill it (the game) and, on top of that, you defend the box really poorly, the way we’ve done it in the two set-pieces that we have conceded again. We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe. A positive result would have really helped us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday.
“So, what we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy, so make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”
Arteta made just two changes from the midweek defeat, while PSG manager Luis Enrique rotated his entire outfield team for their match at Strasbourg after clinching the Ligue 1 title. Arteta added: “They won the league so they have the luxury to do that.
“We haven’t because we still have a lot to do in the Premier League, but we have four days and I’m sure we’ll be fully recovered and our best to play the game.”
During Arsenal‘s narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all showed signs of discomfort, with Jurrien Timber spectating from the stands.
Arteta cast doubt on Timber’s availability for the upcoming PSG clash, admitting: “Confident? At the moment, no, because he wasn’t able to play here.”
Rice had earlier given Arsenal hope with a sublime first-half goal, rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga after an incisive pass from Odegaard.
Despite the Gunners’ efforts, who have seen a worrying trend of dropping points from winning positions – equalling their highest tally since the 2019-20 season – they were undone when Huijsen nodded in from a long throw by substitute Antoine Semenyo.
The Cherries secured victory through Alex Scott’s corner, which Marcus Tavernier flicked on, allowing Evanilson to score from close range.
VAR scrutiny following claims of a handball didn’t hinder Bournemouth’s goal, with the decision standing due to absence of “conclusive evidence”. Manager Andoni Iraola subsequently celebrated a landmark event in the club’s history as they clinched their inaugural victory at the Emirates, completing a league double over Arsenal.
“Yes, obviously this win, in this stadium, against this opponent, it is an extra (feeling),” confessed Iraola. “Apart from the three points, it is true in this moment of the season it is even more welcome.
“We used this before the games with the players that we never get any points here basically. Not even one, so it was definitely a good moment to get the first win.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk