Europa League: Arsenal slammed for playing 1-1 with 10-man Atletico Madrid

Republic of Ireland former player, Andy Townsend, has slammed Arsenal for failing to kill off the Europa League semifinal match against 10-men Atletico Madrid at the Emirate on Thursday.

Although the Gunners still have hope of reaching the Europa League final, they will regret not punishing Atletico Madrid properly.

Townsend, a former Chelsea midfielder, wondered why Arsene Wenger’s men could not take the numerical advantage when Sime Vrsaljko was sent off as early as 13 minutes into the game.

Despite creating a host of chances, Arsenal could not break the deadlock until the 60th minute through Alexandre Lacazette.

When it seemed Arsenal would score more goals, Atletico absorbed the pressure and struck back to earn a creditable 1-1 draw.

A long ball over the top sprung Arsenal’s defence and Antoine Greizmann pounced on Laurent Koscielny’s failed clearance to net the critical away goal.

Townsend told BBC, “It’s a great shame and it shouldn’t have ended this way but it was top quality European football.

“There is still hope because the game is only level, and Arsenal do have dangerous players.

“But everyone in the stadium senses that the opportunity has been missed. They might pay for three seconds where they couldn’t shut the door.

“Laurent Koscielny has had to be the rock for Arsenal over the years but when they needed him to be at his best, he has allowed someone to tip-toe past him and put the ball in the net.

“Ultimately I don’t think it will be enough for Arsenal.

“If I was a forward player I would go into that dressing room after the game, and I would want to know how that goal has been conceded.”

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