Arteta - The lesson we learned from Olympiacos

A lot has happened since we were last in the Europa League knockout stage, 12 months ago.

But Mikel Arteta says that has given us plenty of time to reflect on exiting last season's competition against Olympiacos, and prepare for a similarly tough test this time around.

"I thought it was very cruel with the way we got knocked out of the competition," he said. "The tie was in our hands and we scored a goal, but then we conceded in the last minute of extra time.

"We still had a massive chance with Auba to go through, but the big lesson there is that you have to play every single minute of the competition with a high focus. Every detail matters and every situation has to be handled, and it’s about being able to manage the game in the way it’s required because it’s over two legs.

"The goal difference is very important and that has to be in the back of your mind, and you have to be able to control your emotions and as well be able to change the game when you need to, to take it to your territory when the tie is in your hands.

"I think it was a really tough experience for all of us with the way it happened because I think we deserved to go through, but as well I think that created more hunger for this season to go and do more and we have to use that thing that we have still there, that we haven’t gone through yet to put more energy, more passion and more commitment into this competition."