Arsenal were handed a shock 1-0 defeat by Belarusian outfit BATE Borisov in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 fixture on Thursday.
Arsenal started brightly at the Borisov Arena but failed to capitalize on a couple of early opportunities. The home team grew into the game with time and on the cusp of half-time they took a shock lead, courtesy of Stanislav Dragun’s header from a set-piece.
Unai Emery’s men could not create enough clear-cut opportunities after the break and matters were made worse when star striker Alexandre Lacazette was given his marching orders in the 85th minute for elbowing an opponent. The Gunners huffed and puffed, but were unable to find a way back, as BATE held on for a famous victory.
The result leaves Arsenal with all to do when the two teams meet again next week at the Emirates Stadium. Given that they are out of top four in the Premier League standings, the Europa League was an avenue for them to get back into the Champions League next season, but the defeat to BATE leaves them in a precarious position.
Here’s how the disgruntled Arsenal supporters reacted to a disappointing result in Belarus on Thursday night;
Oh Arsenal.
— Playrface (@playrface) February 14, 2019
So Emery rested players for a game against a team that hasn’t played since December, despite us having this weekend off, and lost without really challenging. My God, Wenger made some stupid decisions but even he’d be scratching his head at this one. #BATARS
— Arsene's Eyes (@Arsenes_Eyes) February 14, 2019
Arsenal ??♂️ ??
— Edeghonghon (@oldsoul_007) February 14, 2019
Arsenal need a revamp from the top. New owner who’s willing to invest, a world class manager and a new team. Lacazette and Aubameyang up front with Ozil in behind guarantees 40 goals a season if used properly. That’s a start at least. #bbcfootball
— Josh Brackley (@cilliang4) February 14, 2019
Arsenal ! ??
— Jamie Larcombe (@JamieLarcombe) February 14, 2019
I'm still in shock to what I've just watched. That performance was worse than the pitch, and that's saying something! #AFC #UEL #BATARS
— matty (@mattyp213) February 14, 2019
Arsenal board thinking about the Emery appointment #afc pic.twitter.com/5wCwS9mKjd
— Simão (@SimonWe1ss) February 14, 2019
Pitch has nothing to do with the loss, the game was human vs human not human vs machine, Arsenal were just lazy #bbcfootball
— Abdul Said (@lafleure355) February 14, 2019
Being a LeBron fan and an Arsenal fan has got to be the reason I feel 45 even though I’m 22
— LeShannon (@LeShannonJames) February 14, 2019
Never thought in my wildest dreams that Arsenal can perform this badly.. feeling bad for those who travelled all the way to watch this horror show
— Praveen (@PraveenTG25) February 14, 2019
This club is beyond repair xem
Even Pep can swap clubs and come at #arsenal he would fail#Arsenal
— Tshidada lufuno (@LufunoTshidada) February 14, 2019
We should have gone for Arteta instead.. #arsenal
— Sara (@saramsey_) February 14, 2019
You think being single on Valentines Day is bad, try being single and supporting Arsenal on Valentines Day #heartbroken https://t.co/3Rn37GjogM
— Josh Allen (@allenjosh12) February 14, 2019
One of the most humiliating results of Arsenal’s recent history. A bad, bad day for the club, manager & players, many of whom will surely & hopefully be elsewhere next season. Sad and depressing. @Arsenal
— Sam (@samuelJayC) February 14, 2019
Arsenal doing what they do best. Producing a disasterclass on today of all days #WengerIn https://t.co/7b6WeVGFpe
— Jake Adams (@JakeAPAdams) February 14, 2019
Arsenal these times. pic.twitter.com/UKkOtEAck9
— Cba init (@Messssut_) February 14, 2019
Everyone seems hell bent on blaming Emery. But he isn't the one kicking the ball around. None of our players seemed up for it today. Not one single player. #BATARS
— GoonerAndy (@GoonerInDenver) February 14, 2019
