MIKEL ARTETA has warned his players to stop taking unnecessary risks.
The Spaniard watched Arsenal put one foot into the Europa League quarter-finals with an impressive 3-1 win at Olympiacos.
Mikel Arteta was unhappy with the goal his side concededCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But they once again conceded thanks to a defensive cock-up while attempting to play out from the back.
Arteta warned: “The goals and chances we have conceded are coming from ourselves.
“It’s my responsibility. I make them play the way we want to play. It’s just understanding the risk and rewards and when to play.
“We have to get better at that, because if not, it creates tension and insecurity and creates belief in the opponent. It’s unnecessary.
“If the rewards are not bigger, then we should not take the risk.
“We are really pleased with the result, with the goals we score and the way we played in big moments in the game.
“But as well we have to be very clear and honest with ourselves that we gave three goals to the opponent, they took one.”
The error came when sub Dani Ceballos lost possession after a careless pass from goalkeeper Bernd Leno, allowing Youssef El Arabi to chalk off Martin Odegaard’s screamer.
Dani Ceballos was caught out on the ballCredit: Rex Features
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It followed similar gaffes against Benfica in the last round as well as the mistake Granit Xhaka made which led to Chris Wood’s equaliser at Burnley on Saturday.
Arsenal, who have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine in all competitions, did come storming back thanks to Gabriel’s header and Mohamed Elneny’s scorcher.
Odegaard, who netted his first for the club, added: “When one player makes a mistake, you have to strike back as a team and that’s what we did.”
Martin Odegaard netted his first Gunners goalCredit: Reuters
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Arteta says he is happy with the result but he isn’t satisfied with how Arsenal controlled the game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
