Mikel Arteta refused to agree Arsenal's bruising Europa League exit could be a blessing in disguise and described Sunday's league match with Crystal Palace as a 'final'.
The Gunners lost after a penalty shootout ended a tough and long night at the Emirates Stadium for the Premier League leaders.
Granit Xhaka had fired Arsenal ahead in the first half before a spectacular goal from the centre circle put Sporting level, with Pedro Golcalves lobbing Aaron Ramsdale.
'We really wanted to go through and fight in the competition and go for it,' said Arteta.