Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League was a blow, but it will bring “clarity” to their season.
Gabriel Martinelli had saved a crucial penalty as the north London side lost to Sporting CP in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Emirates last night.
However, the Arsenal manager already has his sights set on the Premier League and demands his side bounce back against the managerless Crystal Palace on Sunday.
He said: “It (the sporting defeat) is a big blow but it brings clarity to the season.
“We have 11 games ahead of us, 11 Premier League games and a grand final against Crystal Palace.
“The focus has to be there and we have to learn from tonight.”
Martin Odegaard echoed the sentiment of his manager and is fully focused on the match against Palace, where a win could put the leaders eight points clear as Manchester City take on Burnley at the Etihad in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Arsenal captain, who came on as a late substitute last night, revealed his side had already discussed the defeat and are ready to make amends.
He said: “We already talked about it in the dressing room. We must move forward now.
We have to look to Sunday. It’s already started in the changing room and we’re getting ready.
“We just have to rethink. I think everyone is disappointed but we have to keep going and be ready for Sunday.”
GO DEEPER
Arsenal lost in the Europa League but will they lose momentum in the Premier League?
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