Outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented a familiar defensive lapse as his side failed to cash in on a man advantage for over 80 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Antoine Griezmann's away goal eight minutes from time is a body blow to Wenger's hopes of bowing out after 22 years on a high in the final on May 16, and Arsenal's chances of playing Champions League football next season.
Sime Vrsaljko's early red card handed the Gunners the initiative, however, they were made to rue a host of missed chances before and after Alexandre Lacazette headed them in front on the hour mark.
"I feel we produced the performance we wanted to produce, but the result is not in line with the performance," said Wenger.
"We can only look at ourselves for tonight's result because 1-0 is a perfect result at home. It was up to us not to make a mistake...it is a story we have seen before."
"These players of Atletico Madrid are heroes to resist like that."
"We can play well or badly but you don't see this commitment everywhere...I have goosebumps thinking about next week already."
- Simeone sent-off -
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