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Bullish Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal showed they are 'better' than Villarreal despite Europa League semi-final first leg defeat... but admits 'passive' start made it 'impossible' for them to score in opening 45 minutes

Bukayo Saka claims Arsenal showed they are a 'better' team that Villarreal despite losing a thrilling Europa League semi-final first leg to the Spanish outfit.

The Gunners' endured a nightmare opening half an hour at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol put former Arsenal manager Unai Emery's side into a 2-0 goal lead.

Things went from bad to worse in the second half for Mikel Arteta's men when Spain midfielder Dani Ceballos was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Bukayo Saka claims Arsenal showed they are a 'better' team that Villarreal despite losing
The Gunners went two goals down in their Europa League semi-final first leg after Manu Trigueros (above) and Raul Albiol scored

England international Saka then won a dubious penalty after feeling contact from Trigueros, but Nicolas Pepe nevertheless converted to halve the deficit.