Raul Albiol has criticised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka on Futbol en Movistar for the way he earned the penalty last night.
Arsenal suffered a 2-1 loss to Villarreal away from home in Spain in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday evening.
The Yellow Submarine were 2-0 up after just 29 minutes and appeared set for an easy win.
Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal in the 57th minute when Daniel Ceballos, on loan from Real Madrid, was sent off for two bookable offences.
Arsenal earned a controversial penalty in the 73rd minute. Winger Saka was adjudged to have been brought down by Manu Trigueros, and Nicolas Pepe made no mistake from the resulting spot kick.
Villarreal defender Albiol has said that it was not a penalty, and that Saka was looking for it.
Albiol said on Futbol en Movistar: “The Arsenal player looks for the penalty, kicks Manu who is still. The referee I don’t know if he wanted to compensate for the sending-off.”
Advantage Arsenal?
Villarreal did play well in the first half, but Arsenal came back into the game strongly and will believe that they have the advantage in the tie.
True, Unai Emery’s side are 2-1 up heading into the second leg, but Arsenal will have home advantage for the game.
Moreover, the away goal is going to be massive in giving the Arsenal players confidence to win the second leg and book their place in the final of the Europa League.
Arsenal’s only realistic way to play in the Champions League next season is to win the Europa League this term.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
