Unai Emery remains confident Arsenal can secure a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League despite Thursday’s 1-0 defeat at BATE Borisov.
The Gunners slumped to a loss in the first leg of their last-32 tie as Stanislav Dragun headed home Igor Stasevich’s free-kick just before half-time for the game’s only goal.
It was a particularly tough night for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette as he had a goal disallowed early in the second half and was then sent off for elbowing Aleksandar Filipovic.
The second leg takes place at Emirates Stadium next Thursday and Arsenal boss Emery feels his side will be able to make the most of home advantage as they seek a place in the next round.
“Next week we are going to play another 90 minutes and I am sure it is going to be different,” he told reporters.
“Today the first half was a good performance for us, we had chances to score, sometimes last week our chances brought a goal and today they did not. “We worked. I am happy with the players as we worked and we tried.
They struggled also defensively when they were 1-0 up – and they are organised and a competitive team.
“Our big chance, our big opportunity and challenge is next week. I trust in our players and I trust in our stadium and supporters.”
Arsenal are 7.00 to win the Europa League outright, with Serie A outfit Napoli currently rated as the 4.75 favourites after their 3-1 win at Switzerland’s FC Zurich on Thursday.
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