Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League was a big blow but will bring “clarity” to their season.
Gabriel Martinelli saved the decisive penalty as the north London side lost to Sporting CP in a dramatic clash at the Emirates last night.
However, the Arsenal manager has already set his sights on the Premier League, demanding his side return against a managerless 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 play, 11 Premier League games and the grand final against Crystal Palace.
“The focus has to be there and we have to learn something from tonight.”
Martin Odegaard echoed his manager’s sentiments and is fully focused on the game against Palace where victory could see the league leaders go eight points clear at the top as Manchester City take on Burnley in the FA Cup at the Etihad on Saturday.
The Arsenal captain, who came on as a late substitute last night, revealed his side had already discussed the defeat and were ready to put it right.
He said: “We talked about it already in the dressing room. Now we must move forward.
We have to watch on Sunday. It has already started in the dressing room and we are getting ready.
“We just have to change our mindset again. I think everyone is disappointed, but we have to move forward and be ready for Sunday.”
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