Arsenal 1-1 Atletico: Three talking points after Wenger's last European home game

Arsene Wenger’s last hurrah in Europe at home for Arsenal did not exactly go as planned, as Atletico Madrid stole an away goal to give them the edge in the semi-final. Here are the main talking points from the Emirates:

Arsenal setup their own Infinity War

While it would be prudent to say Arsenal are a shoo-in for missing out on the perfect goodbye for their manager, it would not be completely unwise either. The one thing they were repeatedly told not to do (by me and the commentators), was not to let in an away goal. Much like the Avengers who were told not to let Thanos gain control of the Infinity stones, they didn’t help their case.

When given the chance-or chances-Arsenal really should have buried the game after the early dismissals of both Vrsaljko and Simeone. They had the upper hand for about 80 minutes, in which they had 28 shots-with a return of one goal.

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The defensive calamity being blamed on Koscielny should really be warranted on the ever-slipping-at-the-critical-moment Mustafi, who really should’ve blocked Griezmann’s shot. Especially since he was the one who saw the Frenchman’s initial shot blocked by his keeper.

But, as is with the Avengers second coming in a year’s time, Arsenal have a whole 90 minutes to play out-only they have just one week. And as difficult it is for them to protect a lead should they get one in Madrid, they sure as well can avenge it.

Lacazette finally looks like a £50m signing

In between those emotional 90 minutes played out at the Emirates yesterday, one Frenchman was particularly feeling up the atmosphere. While most of us would have thought that to be Arsene Wenger, it actually turned out to be his £50m forward.

Alexandre Lacazette’s goal was not the only thing worth talking about last night. The fact that he won 4/5 aerial duels vs the Atletico centre halves is. Because only when you realize that the Uruguayans eat up these duels across European games, can you really appreciate Lacazette’s leaping header.

His turns, his hold up and his ability to create chances out of nothing are coming together just at the right time for Arsenal. Danny Welbeck’s supporting act has been also profound, as has his link up with Ozil. The only thing left is Lacazette’s return leg MOTM performance to save Arsenal’s season.

The fans have been missed

After drawing the best team left in the competition, one would expect the setup for a match like this would be about the contrasts between the teams. However, the build up to this game was more about everything else.

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At the Emirates, last night was the first time in months you saw the strength of the Gunners in numbers. The stadium was rocking from before the whistle blew, till the end of the game. Despite not being present inside, each and every fan around the world truly felt part of the phenomenon of a real footballing support.

This sudden reappearance of the crowd at the Emirates was reflected in the play, as Arsenal verily upped the ante and responded with spectacular movements. Lacazette’s passion was one of the many moments that have been missed-particularly due to the absence of such rigorous support.

One can only hope that, after such a turnout and the effect it had, the fans and players can truly come together and make this reunited passion to good use by finishing the job in Madrid.