Back to the Arsenal Newsfeed

Mikel Arteta calls on Arsenal to use 'cruel' Europa League exit against Olympiacos last season as inspiration in last-32 clash with Benfica

Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal's players to use their 'cruel' Europa League exit to Olympiacos last season as inspiration when they face Benfica in this year's round of 32.

A late away goal for the Greeks saw Arsenal crash out of the competition while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also missed a glaring chance with the match's final kick.

Aubameyang has travelled with the Arsenal team for the first leg despite the club captain being criticised after a video appeared on Instagram showing him getting a tattoo.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to use their 'cruel' defeat against Olympiacos last season as motivation
The Gunners were knocked out of the last 32 of the Europa League by the Greek side

Mikel Arteta (left) wants Arsenal to use their 'cruel' defeat in the Europa League against Olympiacos last season as inspiration when they take on Benfica

Arsenal say they will speak to Aubameyang, while Arteta said his squad are 'hungry' to make up for how their European campaign was cut short last year.