Mikel Arteta dismissed suggestions that Arsenal were distracted by their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid, following a 1-1 draw with Brentford which ended their Premier League title hopes.
Needing a win to keep their slim title chances alive, Arsenal took the lead at the Emirates through Thomas Partey’s 61st-minute strike. But Yoane Wissa’s equalizer in the 74th minute saw Brentford snatch a point, leaving Arsenal trailing runaway leaders Liverpool by 10 points with just six games remaining.
Despite their dominant performance in a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, Arsenal lacked intensity on Saturday. However, Arteta rejected the idea that his players were looking ahead to Wednesday’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“The feeling among the players didn’t suggest that at all,” said Arteta. “To prepare well for what’s ahead, you have to perform and win now.”
He added, “We’re disappointed with the result. We had full control and conceded a very poor goal. It wasn’t good enough. When you don’t do what’s required against a team like this, you get punished.”
Even after going down to 10 men late in the game, Arsenal created two clear chances to score. Arteta insisted fatigue was not to blame: “We play every three days. We’re used to it. There’s no excuse around energy.”
Saturday’s result means Arsenal have now won only two of their last seven league matches, leaving Liverpool with a clear path to the title. The Reds could secure the championship as early as next weekend if they beat West Ham on Sunday, and Arsenal lose to Ipswich on April 20. A Liverpool victory over Leicester that same day would then seal the deal.
“It’s definitely a missed opportunity,” Arteta admitted. “We wanted to win and close the gap. We have to be honest with ourselves, especially about how we conceded that goal.”
Looking ahead, Arteta urged his side to focus on what he called “the most beautiful game of the season” – their upcoming clash with Real Madrid.
However, the Gunners may be without Jorginho, who was forced off late in the match with a possible rib injury.
“He said he was struggling to breathe properly, which could mean an issue with one of his ribs,” Arteta explained. “It’s unusual for Jorgi not to continue, so it could be something significant.”
