DBasia.news – Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech was very disappointed with Arsenal’s 1-3 defeat of Stade Rennais in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 on Friday (8/3) early morning hrs.
Cech, 36, is a former Rennes player in mid-2002-2004. The home fans welcomed Cech’s comeback to Rennes. However, the result did not match what was expected by Cech.
Arsenal lost through Benjamin Bourigeaud’s goals, suicide Nacho Monreal and Ismaila Sarr, which was reduced by Alex Iwobi’s goal. The situation was increasingly difficult for Arsenal because they played with 10 players since Sokratis Papastathopoulos was sent off in the 41st minute.
The red card was considered Cech as a turning point for Julien Stephan’s Rennes. The goalkeeper who will retire at the end of the season assesses Arsenal’s chance to qualify for the last eight of the Europa League is quite heavy.
“The turning point was a red card because they were able to score from a free kick. When we were 10 players behind in the first round, it was getting much more difficult,” Cech said. Arsenal official website.
“We were unlucky with the second goal because it was an own goal from a deflection (Monreal), but I think we are still fighting.”
“I think the biggest disappointment is the goal when because at 1-2, you go home and you know there are results when you score away, then you can get through. We can still reduce the two-goal deficit because, ultimately, our goal creating may play a big role, but we make it difficult for ourselves, “he explained.
A 1-3 defeat means that Arsenal need a 2-0 win over Rennes in the second leg later, which takes place at Emirates Stadium if you want to qualify for the next phase.
That might be done by Arsenal, with the quality of the individuals they have, plus Arsenal also reinforced Alexandre Lacazette after undergoing sanctions for card accumulation. However, it will not be easy against Rennes who is in good momentum.
“We have to persevere in and with the second goal that is not in a row, you play and think I will receive a 1-2 result because there will be a chance to make it 2-2. Then we lose 1-3 and this makes everything complicated,” concluded the former keeper Chelsea.