The clock was already ticking as Mikel Arteta returned to the Arsenal dressing room and inspected the emotional and physical damage of a bruising exit from the Europa League. Without time to waste, Arteta turned his team’s attention to what is the sole focus of their season, and the “11 finals” that stand between now and a first Premier League title in 19 years.
The first of which, against Crystal Palace on Sunday, may prove to be one of their toughest remaining tests. That may seem at odds with Palace’s form, which has led to Patrick Vieira’s sacking after a 12-game winless run this year, but Arsenal now have much more to overcome. As well as the knocks and injuries that will accompany what turned into a brutal battle against Sporting, Arsenal must also deal with the disappointment of this latest setback.
