Arsenal's Worst Europa League Exits

Arsenal’s worst Europa League exits – ranked

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal looks dejected following the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

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2. Round of 32 vs Olympiacos (2019/20)

Has there been a darker European night in the club’s recent history than this? Sure, those Bayern humiliations were pretty awful, but, you know, that was Bayern Munich. Arsenal’s defeat to Olympiacos was only slender, but the embarrassment was palpable.

The Greek side dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group. It wasn’t an easy draw for the Premier League side, but one that the vast majority expected them to win. Their chances of progression soared after they claimed victory in Greece, with many projecting a procession at the Emirates in the second leg.

But it was far from a party atmosphere in north London. Angst consumed the Emirates as the two sides went into the break goalless before the visitors took the lead eight minutes into the second half. Olympiacos’ 1-0 victory in 90 minutes took the game into extra time where Arsenal finally sparked into life.

Pierre-Emile Aubameyang equalised in the 113th minute to give the Gunners the aggregate lead before Youssef El-Arabi stunned the Emirates faithful by poking home a last-gasp winner which sent the visitors through on away goals.

Let’s not get into the events between El-Arabi’s winner and the full-time whistle. I still don’t know how he missed.

Continued on the next slide…

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