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Europa League: Arsenal draw as Griezmann steals away goal at Emirates

By Orri Benatar

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final leg one match between Arsenal FC and Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium on April 26, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final leg one match between Arsenal FC and Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium on April 26, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal had 80 minutes to take down Atletico with a man advantage. They were on the way to winning until Antoine Griezmann struck late.

Atletico Madrid had a disastrous start to this Europa League semifinal match at the Emirates against Arsenal. Sime Vrsaljko received a yellow card two minutes in and was sent off eight minutes later. You would think Arsenal would be able to pounce quickly with a man advantage. They did not.

The Gunners couldn’t score in the first half but finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Alexandre Lacazette headed it past Jan Oblak to send Arsenal fans into a frenzy.

Despite having 76% of the possession, Arsenal could not hold onto the lead and gave up an away goal in the 82nd minute. Lacazette’s French teammate, Antoine Griezmann, sprinted past the Arsenal defense and hit the ball into the roof of the net to tie the game at one.

His celebration invoked a mixture of rage and laughs from the Emirates. The Fornite celebrations live on.

Arsenal have a lot of work to do

Before next Thursday’s second leg, Arsenal gets to play Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Then, the flight to Madrid to play Atletico. Wenger will go into the game with the disadvantage of being behind on the away goal.

Wenger might consider making a change defensively for the second leg. Laurent Koscielny had a tough time containing Antoine Griezmann’s speed. To counter that, he could start Sead Kolasinac at the centerback spot with Mustafi.

Wenger should also be flexible with his squad for Sunday’s match at Old Trafford. Arsenal isn’t in the best position to qualify for a European competition through the Premier League. It only makes sense that Wenger benches his best players Sunday in preparation for the Europa League. It will be easier for Arsenal to qualify for Europe by winning the Europa League.

Next: UCL - Power Rankings after Semifinal First Legs

Elsewhere in Europe

It was a great day for French players in the Europa League. Marseille handily defeated Salzburg 2-0 in their first leg. Dimitri Payet provided assists for both goals. The first by French teammate Florian Thauvin and the second from the Cameroonian Clinton N’Jie.

Marseille was the best team after the first leg of the semifinals. The French side has the attacking power to overwhelm Arsenal or Atletico in the final. Madrid’s lack of goals also would cause trouble in a match against Marseille, a team prone to scoring many goals.

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