Arsenal secured a narrow victory over Slavia Prague, but goalkeeper David Raya and manager Mikel Arteta both pointed to the same issue: the team's wastefulness in the final third and a dramatic second-half drop-off that nearly cost them the win.
Raya Frustrated by Missed Chances
Raya made a stunning save to deny Oskar Kubiak's header during Slavia's late push, but the goalkeeper was more concerned with Arsenal's failure to kill the game earlier. He said: "First half we played really, really well. We created a lot of chances and could have scored more but the second half was completely different."
"They stepped up a gear and made it difficult for us and we have to learn from it. Delighted with the win but a lot of things to improve going forward. Maybe they started pressing a bit higher with more intensity. We had too many giveaways especially in the final third. There was too much running from box to box and we have to manage those reactions and go for the third and fourth goal."
Raya also stressed the importance of clean sheets, saying: "At the end of the day it is three points. I'm doing my best and trying to keep clean sheets. We know clean sheets help you win games. Hopefully we get more clean sheets next time."
Arteta Echoes Frustration
Arteta echoed his goalkeeper's frustration after watching his side surrender control in the second half. Slavia Prague's late strike set up a nervy finish, and the Spaniard was visibly animated on the touchline as Arsenal lost their grip on the contest.
"Always we need to value winning away in the Champions League. It is extremely difficult," he said. "Two very different halves. We should have had three or four goals in the first half but we didn't do it. Right at the start of the second half we were on the back foot, very sloppy and gave balls away. Then we had to suffer. A lot to learn. We should have scored more in the first half and if we didn't do that we had to go and do that in the second half."
Changes and Away Record
Arteta made six changes to his starting lineup, a decision he defended despite the team's struggles. "We made six changes but we know the quality of the players we have. Whether we were lacking something I don't know but I would have done the same thing [again]. I value what the team has done now, it is 11 away games we played."
