Dries Mertens insists Arsenal “aren’t that good and there isn’t a real gap between us,” but the first half performance in London was fatal for Napoli.
The Partenopei lost 2-0 at the Emirates and were beaten at the San Paolo 1-0 by Alexandre Lacazette’s free kick.
“The first 10-15 minutes, we had a few chances to score and that would’ve changed everything,” the Belgian told Sky Sport Italia.
“We conceded a goal and our heads dropped. We said in the locker room that we still believed, because Arsenal aren’t that good. There isn’t a real gap between us. We got it very wrong at the Emirates and that ruined everything.
“We weren’t well set out, Arsenal took advantage and we tried everything to make up for it, but they defended well.”
Mertens was asked what Napoli still needed to compete in Europe and he hinted at some jeers from the crowd.
“I don’t know what we are lacking. We have to realise we are normal players, we’re doing well and the fans mustn’t criticise us. We are second, we went out of the Champions League by one goal. Let’s get our feet on the ground and look forward.”
wazcdnprs
102
Being in second place in Italy is like being in relegation zone in Premier league 🔥
FaithEvans
39
When Koulibaly was talking about comebacks, others about being aggressive, Ancellotti's experience, wanting to win something... I thought we're in for one hell of a fight instead, they came up with another limp performance, I read they were sweating on Insigne's fitness earlier (he could easily be named Offsigne due to the sheer amount of offsides he racked up), he got fit and played like Iwobi, plenty flair but no substance... We're clearly better than they are! Go Gunners, Emery's Red Army marches on!