Following today’s clash between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Arsenal hosted Ostersunds FK at the Emirates for an 8.05pm kick off in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 tie on Thursday February 22, with the visitors taking a two one victory on the day.
A Calum Chambers own goal in the 22nd minute set them under way and Arsenal didn’t wake up from the restart, and Ken Sema added a second within a minute.
Ostersunds were clearly the better side in the opening 45 but Arsenal showed improvement in the second half and made it a one goal game when Sead Kolasinac scored two minutes after the restart but they were unable to level matters.
With a first leg three nil victory the second leg doesn’t alter Arsenal’s progression, but with so much talk about preparing for the League Cup final against Manchester City with a victory, many fans will be wondering if it’s a case of ‘here we go again’ with an up and down season still showing little sign of consistency.
Arsenal find out their future opponents in the Europa League at 12pm on Friday.
Teams:
Arsenal:
Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Holding, Kolasinac, El Neny, Maitland-Niles (Xhaka 45), Mkhitaryan, Wilshere (Willock 76), Iwobi (Nelson 90+2), Welbeck.
Substitutes:
Monreal, Mustafi, Macey, Nketiah.
Ostersunds FK:
Keita, Mukiibi (Islamovic 73), Papagiannopoulos, Pettersson, Widgren, Aiesh (Tekie 52), Edwards, Nouri, Sema, Ghoddos, Hopcutt (Arhin 81).
Substitutes:
Bergqvist, Abdullahi Gero, Andersson, Mensah.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Ivan Kruzliak blew the final whistle, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger explained.
‘You can call it complacency, yes, lack of focus and lack of urgency. We prepared the game very well because I have enough experience that in these kind of games you have to do the job. They are a good side but overall we responded well in the second half.’
Ostersunds manager Graham Potter in his comparative interview explained.
‘I am very, very proud of the players and the supporters. To play in the manner we did I felt we showed real courage and bravery and played some good football against a top team. At 2-0 we thought we had a chance. We played well, won the game but it was just short of the miracle. Apart from the first 20 minutes at home we went toe-to-toe with Arsenal which is no mean feat considering where we have come from. It is a learning experience we have been having. It was the first time we were playing in the last 32. Over the course of the game we have shown what we are about and what we are trying to do. Today is a day to be proud of what we did over the two matches.’
