Mikel Merino lamented Arsenal mistakes against Crystal Palace.placeholder image
Mikel Merino lamented Arsenal mistakes against Crystal Palace. | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta saw his side edge past Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup semi-final, but penalties could have been avoided.
The Gunners looked to be about to secure a win in 90 minutes with a 1-0 score deep into injury time. However, Arsenal defender William Saliba gave away a somewhat unnecessary free kick, which led to an Eagles equaliser.
Adam Wharton floated the ball into the Arsenal box from that set play with Jefferson Lerma outleaping Riccardo Calafiori to get his head on the ball, before Marc Guehi prodded home the late equaliser.
Mikel Merino critical of Arsenal foul that led to Crystal Palace equaliser
Speaking after the game, Merino told Sky Sports that the team must be ‘more composed’ later on in the match, which appeared to be a light dig at Saliba for the rash challenge. He said: “More complicated than it should be. It was an amazing first half with many chances, I think the team deserved to win comfortably today but this is football and why everyone loves it. It went to penalties but a win is a win and we are in the semi-finals.
“I’m so pleased [for Kepa]. He deserves it. He’s a very good guy, a hard worker, gives his best and supports everyone. He’s a really nice guy so I’m very happy for him. He saves the decisive penalty and feels part of the team. Everyone in this team has their time and plays a role and today we are seeing that.
“Of course [it’s frustrating to go to penalties]. This is the highest level and if you keep missing chances, they will have their chance. We have to learn from mistakes. Obviously we all want to score, maybe it’s having more focus but to be fair at the end of the game we cannot concede that free kick or throw ins. We have to be a much more composed and mature team.”
Ian Wright labels Saliba tackle ‘terrible foul’
Arsenal legend Ian Wright took a similar view as he provided punditry on the match. The former striker labelled the Saliba challenge a ‘terrible foul’ to give away.
He said: “It’s something that they are going to have to really focus on for the rest of the season, being ruthless enough to finish these games. If you don’t finish the games, being defensive enough to see them out.
“The foul for William Saliba is a poor foul to give away. For a player of his experience, it’s a terrible foul to give away. You felt it in the air that something was coming. Palace were so much better in the second half and, in the end, the penalty shootout did it for Arsenal. The decisions that were made, it’s something you have to look at for Arsenal.”
In other news, Arsenal Player Ratings: 9/10 is 'vital presence' but 'frustrating' 5 as Crystal Palace beaten on penalties.
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