The Gunners have come in for big criticism following their exit from the Europa League at the semi-final stage at the hands of Villarreal on Thursday night.
They could only play out a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium which meant they lost the tie 2-1 on aggregate and are looking at no European football at all next season.
Arteta though feels it was fine margins against Villarreal and insisted that if Aubameyang’s effort had not hit the post then his side would be in the final, while stressing his continuing belief in his project.
“I know that we have disappointed a lot of people as well, and that really hurts because we want to give the best to everybody but one thing I made clear is that to do what we want to do, I have no doubts that we are going to achieve it. If not, I wouldn’t be sat here”, the Spaniard told a press conference.
“Again, I repeat myself, last night that ball [from Aubameyang] goes in we win 1-0. You are in the final and it is a different world. But today that world doesn’t look very nice”, he added.
Arsenal represent Arteta’s first managerial role and the Spaniard could be set to lead the Gunners to just a mid-table finish in the Premier League.
Arteta’s side sit ninth in the league table and have lost 13 of their 34 games so far, scoring just 46 goals.
They next play host to relegation threatened West Brom at the Emirates.
