Emery Not Giving Up On Arsenal Despite 3-1 Loss At Rennes

By Nigel Philips

Unai Emery is confident in Arsenal’s chances of progressing in the Europa League despite losing 3-1 to Rennes in the first-leg of the round of sixteen tie.

The Arsenal manager said in a post-match on Thursday his team can overturn the result in the second-leg at home with the support of the fans. 

Alex Iwobi shot Arsenal into the lead in the opening five minutes but the Gunners began to slip following Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ second yellow card in the 41st minute.

Benjamin Bourigeaud levelled up for the hosts just a minute later before Nacho Monreal scored an own goal to put Rennes in front before Ismaila Sarr sealed the win with a late header.

Emery, who claims his side were in control until Papastathopoulos' second yellow card and ensuing dismissal, has refused to give up on his team. 

"The red card changed the game more than we wanted," Emery said.

"The first 40 minutes we controlled, we scored, we didn't concede good chances. I think we can do better and I have confidence with our players and our supporters helping us."

"We can analyse these three red cards individually," Emery added. "I am positive in the first 40 minutes because I think, with respect to them, we imposed our gameplay in these moments.

"We can maybe score a second goal because we deserved to, but after it is really very different in the match.

"But we are going to think, for the next week, we are going to start 11 against 11, without Sokratis and without Lacazette, but we have players.

"Like the first 40 minutes, we can do it with our supporters also, to have the possibility to come back.

"But we know this result is not good. It is bad and it is going to be tough for us. But we need to focus and with our players, there is a possibility to come back."