Davide Ancelotti says Arsenal are “one of the best teams in the world” after his Lille side were beaten on Tuesday night.
Second half goals from Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka saw the Gunners come out on top in the Champions League showdown, though the result was very much in doubt for an hour. As Arsenal laboured at the Emirates Stadium, the visitors defended resolutely and had a goal disallowed in the first half when Ayase Ueda slammed the ball into the net from an offside position.
Ancelotti: result harsh on us
Reflecting on the 3-0 defeat, Ancelotti - son of Carlo - said the scoreline ultimately flattered the hosts but admitted his side just couldn’t cope after the hour mark.
“In terms of what my players gave, I have no regrets,” he told UEFA. “We need to analyse the fact we conceded three goals in five minutes but, in terms of the game plan, we wanted to stay in the match for as long as possible.”
“The result is harsh on us; we battled hard. I don't think the players deserve this scoreline. With the players they have on the bench, they can change the rhythm of the game. That's what they did tonight. We have to keep the good things we did for 60 minutes.”
Learning experience for Lille
“They have to take the good things they've done - how they competed face to face with one of the best teams in the world - and they will take a lot of learning tonight as well,” Ancelotti added.
“They will be better. That's why I'm here: to make my players improve while I'm at the club.”
Lille are back in Champions League action next Tuesday as they host Galatasaray, while Arsenal travel to Germany to face a Bayern Munich side that will be without the suspended Michael Olise.
