Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has claimed that the early red card to Atletico Madrid’s player actually worked against his side and “destroyed” the flow of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final at the Emirate.
The Gunners dominated proceedings after Sime Vrsaljko’s 9th minute dismissal and had many goal scoring chances before Alexandre Lacazette finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark.
Atletico kept their defence intact and, after a string of fine saves from man of the match Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann broke clear to score a crucial away goal.
Wenger felt his side were hindered by Atletico’s need to defend so stoically from so early in the game.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Wenger explained, “I must say, Once they were down to 10 men it destroyed the flow of the game.
“It was not to our advantage. The only advantage of that result is we know exactly what we have to do.
“We were 1-0 up, we did not have to force it. They are a team who defends well, we know that, one of the best defensive records in Europe you could see that’s not by coincidence.”
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