Where do Arsenal go from here? It is easier to say where their travels will not be taking them. They will be confined to England for at least the next year, any realistic hope of European football in 2021-22 having been put beyond them by an astute Villarreal side that held them at arm’s length to deservedly reach the Europa League final.
It is an embarrassment for the club and for Mikel Arteta, who will begin next season with the credit amassed upon his appointment 16 months ago running dangerously low. What a feat of narrative, too, that his predecessor, Unai Emery, inflicted the defeat that may ultimately define his tenure.
Related: Arsenal 0-0 Villarreal (1-2 agg): Europa League semi-final, second leg – live!
Continue reading...