Arsenal’s Europa League exit brings ‘clarity’ to our season – Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League was a huge blow but would bring “clarity” to their season.

Gabriel Martinelli hit a crucial penalty as the North London side lost to Sporting CP in a thrilling penalty shootout at the Emirates last night.

However, the Arsenal boss has already set his sights on the Premier League, and demanded his team come back again against a mismanaged Crystal Palace on Sunday.

He said: “It (Sporting’s defeat) is a big blow, but it brings clarity to the season.

“We have 11 games to go, 11 Premier League games and a Grand Final against Crystal Palace.

“The focus has to be there and we must learn from tonight.”

Martin Odegaard has echoed his manager’s sentiments and is fully focused on the game against Palace as a win could see the league leaders go eight points clear at the top as Manchester City go into an FA Cup tie against Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday.

The Arsenal captain, who came on last night as a late substitute, revealed his side had already discussed the defeat and were ready to make it right.

He said: We already talked about it in the dressing room. We have to move on now.

We have to look at Sunday. It’s already starting now in the locker room and we’re getting ready.

“We just have to change the mindset again. I think everyone was disappointed, but we have to move on and prepare for Sunday.”

(Photo: Getty Images)