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Slavia Prague late show leaves Arsenal's Europa League fate in the balance

Jason Burt
·18 min read
Slavia Praha's Tomas Holes (left) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League match at Emirates Stadium, London.  - PA
Slavia Praha's Tomas Holes (left) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League match at Emirates Stadium, London. - PA

  • Arsenal missed a number of chances throughout the match

  • Nicolas Pepe scored after triple substitution made instant impact, but Arsenal could not maintain lead

As Slavia Prague equalised deep into injury time, to dramatically grasp the advantage in this Europa League quarter-final, Mikel Arteta turned and held his face. The Arsenal manager looked tortured. He looked like a rendition of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” – which was probably what he was doing inside.

Arteta had declared this tie “all or nothing”, the biggest of the season, their last chance at redemption and now it hangs by a thread. Having taken a late lead they could not hold on and they will have to score and probably win in Prague next week. And Slavia – who have knocked out Leicester City and Rangers on this run - have not lost at home all season.

Arsenal were just not good enough in either penalty area. And that is some indictment for such an expensively-assembled team who could bring on big-name substitutes including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, who scored.

There is a mental fragility at the heart of Arsenal. They are the kings of complacency. How else do you explain working so hard to take a precious 86th minute lead, having struck the goal-frame twice as they wasted chances including a horrible miss by Alexandre Lacazette, only to be unable to hold out for a further eight minutes. Slavia put them under concerted pressure and they folded. It is also 14 games without a clean sheet.

The tie is far from over but the reaction of Arteta – who marched straight to the dressing room at the final whistle as Slavia celebrated - and the players, with Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares arguing on the pitch, said it all.

“It's more about the final result that leaves a difficult taste,” Arteta said. “What was missing was that if you have big chances you have to take them. We merited more than we got. When we scored the first goal we had to manage the game better than we did.” He added that Martin Odegaard – absent here – might be out for the “next game or two”.

When Arsenal finally did score there were floods of relief. It came from a rapid counter-attack with Granit Xhaka hoisting the ball forward, Aubameyang contesting it and playing in Pepe whose pace took him away from David Zima before he calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar with the outside of his left boot.

Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their side's first goal past Ondrej Kolar of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2021 in London, England. - GETTY IMAGES
Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal scores their side's first goal past Ondrej Kolar of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Slavia Praha at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2021 in London, England. - GETTY IMAGES

That was surely it. But Slavia hit back. And hard. Arsenal were on their heels and carelessly gave the ball away with Bernd Leno pushing a powerful angled shot from the impressive Lukas Provod against the post. The corner was flicked on and at the far post Tomas Holes threw himself to beat Cedric and head into the net.

Maybe Arteta’s team selections will be scrutinised but, really, no-one could argue with dropping Aubameyang. What is more in question is how long the manager waited before making his substitutions when he had such a strong bench.

The first-half was tepid. Bukayo Saka missed its only chance. Then it opened up. From a free-kick Willian almost caught out Kolar with the ball smacking the outside of the post. Then Slavia broke forward with Provod feeding Jan Boril whose shot took a deflection before Leno blocked with his legs. “We have to be compact, compact,” Arteta yelled.

It worked with Lacazette stealing the ball away from Oscar Dorley, the last defender, on halfway and suddenly running through on goal. He took his time and bent a shot high around Kolar – only for it to strike the crossbar with Emile Smith Rowe making a mess of the follow-up. And then there was another with Lacazette scooping Saka’s low cross over from just four yards.

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (R) reacts after missing a chance during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 8, 2021. - GETTY IMAGES
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (R) reacts after missing a chance during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 8, 2021. - GETTY IMAGES

Slavia responded and should have scored as Cedric’s clearance went straight to Petr Sevcik. Inside the area the substitute had time and space but he somehow drove the ball past the post. Aubameyang, on at last, side-footed the ball across goal from six yards with his first touch before Kolar tipped over a rising shot from yet another replacement, Gabriel Martinelli. Why did he not start?

Finally the goals came. As did the inquest. “I have the belief that we can go there and win the match otherwise I would not be sitting here,” Arteta said. But he is not sitting comfortably.

09:04 PM

And that's all from me...

But read Jason Burt's match report for a full recap of this evening's events.

08:54 PM

Arsenal looked content with a one goal lead...

And that was very much a mistake. They sat back and Slavia Prague took full advantage.

08:51 PM

Arsenal were the better team overall...

But they wasted their chances.

08:51 PM

FULL TIME: Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 1

Oh dear, oh dear. Arsenal got the late goal they needed but could not keep the lead. A crucial away goal for Slavia Prague right at the very death.

08:50 PM

GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Holes Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 1

Slavia Prague win a corner. The cross comes to the back post and Holes sends a diving header into the top of the net via Leno.

Arteta is furious...

08:49 PM

90+2 min: Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 0

Arsenal look content to try and protect their lead. The intensity they briefly showed, resulting in the goal, has disappeared.

08:46 PM

90 min: Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 0

There will be four minutes of added time.

08:44 PM

88 min: Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 0

Ceballos is on for Smith Rowe.

08:42 PM

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Pepe Arsenal 1 Slavia Prague 0

Arsenal have the lead! Aubameyang plays in Pepe down the right. He breaks into the box at full speed and pokes the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner. Great goal.

Arsenal just about deserved that.

08:41 PM

85 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

The home side are now dominating proceedings and look increasingly likely to score.

Bah is fouled by Martinelli on half-way.

08:39 PM

83 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Pepe's delivery is cleared once more. The ball comes back to Pepe who picks out Martinelli on the edge of the box. He beats his man, firing a shot at goal which is tipped behind for a corner.

A third corner is also cleared away.

08:37 PM

81 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Arsenal attack again but Martinelli can not bring the ball under control. There is now a sense of urgency from the home side.

Arsenal win a corner but it is hacked clear. Aubameyang then wins another - he has been lively since coming on.

08:34 PM

79 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Aubameyang should score with his first touch! Smith Rowe picks him out in the six-yard box but he directs his effort wide of the post.

08:34 PM

78 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Slavia Prague should score! The ball is cleared straight to Sevcik in the penalty box. The sub fires wide! He should have done better.

Three changes for Arsenal; Lacazette, Saka and Partety off - Aubameyang, Pepe and Elneny on.

08:32 PM

76 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Partey is picked out in space on the edge of the Slavia Prague box. He takes a touch before curling an effort just wide of the post... It is starting to look like it might not be Arsenal's night.

08:30 PM

74 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Martinelli is on, replacing the rather quiet Willian. Arsenal desperately need a cutting edge!

08:28 PM

72 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Kuchta, fresh on the pitch, breaks into the Arsenal box. Just as he is about to pull the trigger, Gabriel makes an important intervention.

08:25 PM

69 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Smith Rowe finds space down the right but he loses control of the ball. Free kick.

08:22 PM

66 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Saka does brilliantly, skipping past a defender before firing a low cross across the face of goal. Lacazette gets to it but can only direct it high and wide. Not his night so far...

08:19 PM

63 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Lacazette should score! He wins the ball on half-way and has free run in on goal. There is no one near him. He takes the ball wide and curls it past the keeper but onto the bar! What a chance.

08:15 PM

59 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Boril is played in on goal but his shot is half-blocked by Bellerin before being saved by Leno. He was plenty of space! Worrying moment for the home side.

At the other end, Cedric bursts forward but his cross into the box is headed away.

08:12 PM

56 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Saka finds acres of space down the right wing. He crosses to the back post which was the wrong option, Smith Rowe was free at the front. Another chance wasted.

08:10 PM

54 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Gabriel is down after an aerial challenge. He landed heavily on his ankle. It looks as if he will be ok to continue.

08:07 PM

51 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Slavia Prague win a corner. It is taken to the edge of the box and Stanciu hits a powerful volley. It is blocked just in time.

08:05 PM

49 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Willian takes it and he hits the post! He curls it around the wall and strikes the outside of the woodwork. That was some effort!

08:03 PM

47 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

The away side press aggressively, forcing Leno to launch the ball into the stands under pressure.

Saka is brought down on the edge of the box, before falling inside it. Free kick given and Zima is booked!

08:01 PM

The second half is underway

Arsenal get us restarted. Change for Slavia Prague. Hromada off, Sevcik on.

07:56 PM

Should Arsenal unleash Martinelli?

07:48 PM

Arsenal have been the better side...

But they have not managed to take their chances...

07:46 PM

HALF TIME: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

That is that, no added time required.

07:44 PM

43 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Partey gives away a free kick in the Slavia Prague half. Bit soft.

07:40 PM

40 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

The free kick hits the wall. A second ball comes in, Holding heads towards goal and the ball is just tipped over the bar.

The corner then beats everyone.

07:38 PM

37 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Saka wins a a free kick in a perfect area for a shot at goal.

07:35 PM

33 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Arsenal are now well on top. They just need to take a chance!

07:32 PM

29 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Lacazette finds some space in the box but fires his shot well over the bar.

Saka then should score! He breaks into the box but curls an effort just wide!

07:27 PM

26 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Saka picks out Gabriel in the box but the defender shanks his header. He should have done better with that.

Arsenal come again. Holding puts a fabulous cross into the six-yard box but once again no one meets it. Another attack comes, and another cross is cleared.

Slavia Prague counter but Arsenal retreat well to snuff out the attack. Cedric is then fouled by Hromada in the home side's half.

07:24 PM

24 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Smith Rowe gives a free kick away after half-striking the face of Stanciu while competing for a header. Not much in that at all.

Willian is fouled by Bah as he runs in behind. Free kick just metres away from the corner flag.

07:21 PM

21 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

It has been a curious start to this game. Both sides have struggled to maintain possession for any amount of time.

Saka breaks into the right hand side of the box, firing a cross across the face of goal. No Arsenal player is there to meet it.

07:19 PM

18 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Smith Rowe breaks down the left wing, crossing with his left foot. The ball is claimed by Kolar, however.

Saka is fouled on half-way. He stays down briefly before returning gingerly to his feet.

07:15 PM

15 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Bah finds acres of space on the right hand side. He delivers a dangerous cross which is headed out to Provod. The midfielder fires a powerful strike just over the bar. That was not too far away.

07:13 PM

13 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Bellerin fires a low cross into the box but it is scrambled clear. The ball falls to Smith Rowe but his pass fails to reach its destination.

07:10 PM

10 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

The corner is taken short before being laid off to Dorley. The winger can only a fire a shot into one of his team-mates, however.

Arsenal counter. Saka looks to play Lacazette in behind but there is just too much on the ball.

07:09 PM

8 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Slavia Prague win a corner after sustained pressure.

07:05 PM

5 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

Sima commits a foul in the Arsenal half, allowing the home side to start an attack.

The ball is played forward and Saka attempts to break into the box but he just loses possession at the crucial moment.

07:03 PM

3 min: Arsenal 0 Slavia Prague 0

The visitors start brightly, controlling possession, playing the ball around calmly. They are full of confidence after the previous two rounds.

07:00 PM

Here we go!

Slavia Prague get us underway.

06:57 PM

Kick-off less than five minutes away

It feels like a big night for Arsenal's season.

06:48 PM

Mikel Arteta speaks ahead of kick-off

"It is a huge game for us. It is a big European competition. We need to play well to progress."

On Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's omission:

"We had to pick the right team to start the game."

Arteta implies he will deploy his captain from the bench later on.

06:41 PM

Facing three British sides in a row is rare... but it has happened before

06:32 PM

Slavia Prague have been on some run to get to this stage...

The Czech champions have already knocked out Leicester City and Rangers - can they knockout a third successive British side tonight?

There has also been controversy on the way. Rangers accused Slavia Prague defender of racist abuse - but the Czech side denied claim and alleged their player was attacked.

Hopefully we avoid any similar incidents this evening.

06:22 PM

Big call from Mikel Areta to leave his skipper out

Read analysis on the situation by Sam Dean here: Arsenal's £175m puzzle: How to get the best from Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe

06:13 PM

This stat makes enjoyable reading for Arsenal fans...

06:02 PM

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drops to the bench

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has dropped to the bench for tonight's clash against Slavia Prague.

Mikel Arteta names the 31-year-old among the substitutes for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are passed fit to start.

Granit Xhaka also comes into the Gunners line-up, with on-loan Martin Odegaard absent from the squad with an ankle issue.

05:59 PM

Team news is in!

02:39 PM

Good evening, Kieran Tierney may not play for Arsenal again this season

Mikel Arteta is unable to assure Arsenal supporters that Kieran Tierney will play for the club again this season.

The full-back was forced off in the first half of Saturday's 3-0 home Premier League defeat by Liverpool.

Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that Tierney suffered knee ligament damage during the game and could be sidelined for the next six weeks.

If that is the case, Tierney could return for the final league game of the season at home to Brighton on May 23 - with the Europa League final taking place three days later.

But, speaking ahead of tonight's Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Slavia Prague, Arteta was keen not to make promises about when Tierney could come back into the fold.

"We have to first make sure that he doesn't need any surgery, which it doesn't look like," he said.

"If that's the case, the time frame will be around that (six weeks). It could have been worse because the action looks quite scary but he's feeling better and the damage is not that bad.

"At the end of the day, it's not the bad news that maybe we were expecting after the game."

Asked if Tierney will play again this season, Arteta replied: "I don't know, we're going to have to go day by day to see how Kieran is feeling, how he is reacting.

"When we get close to playing time and training with the team, depending where we are and how he's feeling, we'll make a decision."

Arteta was unhappy with the performance of his players as they were outclassed in the weekend loss to Liverpool.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville tore into Arsenal during Monday Night Football claiming they had players who "looked like a little mafia" and there "was a disconnect with them and the manager".

"No response," replied Arteta when Neville's comments were put to him.

"I think we have to respect every opinion and when there is criticism coming after the way we played against Liverpool, we have to take it on the chin because it's fully deserved for the way that we played.

"It's no time to respond, it's time to talk on the pitch and show what we can do. When we are at full gas, that is a lot.

"I don't read or listen. Obviously, I need to be aware of what has been said. The only thing I'm saying is where there is the one from Gary or Jamie (Carragher) or whoever is talking about us, after the performance that we had against Liverpool we have to be mute and we have to perform.

"That is the only thing that we have to do."

PA