Arteta Denies Champions League Distraction as Gunners Drop Crucial Points
Mikel Arteta dismissed suggestions that Arsenal were distracted by their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid after a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday dealt a major blow to their fading Premier League title hopes.
The Gunners needed a win at the Emirates to keep their slim chances of catching Liverpool alive, but a resilient Brentford side fought back to snatch a point. Thomas Partey’s second-half opener was canceled out by Yoane Wissa’s 74th-minute header, leaving Arsenal with just two wins in their last seven league matches.
Despite a dominant performance against Real Madrid in midweek, Arsenal lacked their usual sharpness against Brentford. With the crucial Champions League return leg looming on Wednesday, questions arose over whether the players’ focus had wavered—but Arteta was quick to reject that idea.
“The way the players felt, certainly not,” he insisted. “To prepare well, you have to perform and win your next game. We’re disappointed because we had control but conceded a poor goal. That’s not good enough.”
The result leaves Arsenal 10 points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. If the Reds defeat West Ham on Sunday and Arsenal lose to Ipswich next weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side could clinch the title with a victory over Leicester later that day.
Arteta admitted his team had missed a vital opportunity. “We wanted to win and keep our league chances alive, but we didn’t manage it,” he said. “We have to be self-critical, especially with how we conceded.”
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns, midfielder Jorginho suffered a possible rib injury in the closing stages, casting doubt over his availability for the trip to Madrid. “He said he couldn’t breathe properly—it might be serious,” Arteta revealed.
Now, the Gunners must regroup quickly as they turn their attention to what Arteta called “the most beautiful game of the season”—their Champions League showdown at the Bernabéu. With the Premier League title slipping away, Europe may now be their last hope for glory.
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