Arteta calls for Arsenal stars to bounce back after ‘huge blow’ of Europa League exit

Mikel Arteta conceded Arsenal’s Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting was a “huge blow” but called on his players to lift themselves as their Premier League title hunt continues.

Gabriel Martinelli saw his spot-kick saved as a closely-fought tie was settled by a penalty shootout, with Sporting winning 5-3 on spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

“It’s a huge blow. We really wanted to go through and fight in the competition and go for it,” Arteta said at full-time.

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