Arteta: We were nowhere near the levels we could be

Despite a 1-0 defeat to

in the return leg match,

won 3-2 on aggregate and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Despite progressing to the next round, the Gunners’ performance in tonight’s clash was far from being ideal.

Arsenal boss

Mikel Arteta

is delighted that his side was qualified for the next round, however, he acknowledges the team’s weaknesses and the fact that they need some improvements.

In a post-match interview, the Spaniard told

:

"Really happy to be through. We had a tough opponent, so happy to be through.

"Sometimes we have to be fair with ourselves - we were nowhere near the levels we could be.

"We were unstable with the ball and we gave it away. It's impossible when you give the ball away to have any structure. We created enough chances to win but were nowhere near the levels in which we can perform.

"We can't use any excuses. We had fresh players in the side. We started the game really well but then we had lack of stability. We need to keep the ball and play some passes together and not just keep giving the ball away in transitions.

"When we conceded, we did get better and got more control but with their goal, we gave them some belief, which you cannot give to the opponent. We'll get better. When it comes to decision-making and execution, it's a little bit more difficult.

"When we conceded, we did get better and got more control but with their goal, we gave them some belief, which you cannot give to the opponent. We'll get better. When it comes to decision-making and execution, it's a little bit more difficult.

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