3 positives & negatives as Sporting CP dump Arsenal out of Europa League

Positive #3: Lighter fixture schedule

While our exit from the Europa League is disheartening, regarding our title charge, it may be a benefit. As a direct result of our elimination, the team will have to play at least two fewer fixtures between now and the end of the season, which can only be an advantage for us compared to Manchester City.

It is now down to the players to put that advantage to use and continue to string together impressive results in the league. That starts on Sunday, against a Crystal Palace side that have sacked Patrick Vieira as their manager.

The combination of fatigue and a potential new manager bounce will make that a tough game for us, but if the players truly want to put this result behind them and reap any benefits that may come from the loss, they must win that game.

Captain Martin Odegaard stressed the importance of our remaining matches after the defeat.

"“We have 11 finals to go and that’s it, that’s the main focus now. It starts already now in the dressing room to recover well and change the focus, so that’s what we have to do.”"

Negative #3: More sloppy play

A major concern of mine from the first leg was our sloppiness on the ball, particularly in defence and midfield. Unfortunately, the players did not learn from that experience and needlessly losing possession was a hindrance once again last night.

While we can take nothing away from the exquisiteness of Pedro Goncalves’ equaliser, his effort only materialised after we carelessly lost the ball in the middle of the park. The side looked far more assured once Thomas Partey was introduced in place of Jorginho, however, we continued to lose the ball in dangerous situations.

If we are to maintain our Premier League form, those lapses in concentration will need to be eradicated – and quickly.