Midfielder frustrated after 3-0 lead is surrendered at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 4 November 2014 22:55, UK
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal "threw everything away" as they surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Anderlecht.
Arteta's penalty and Alexis Sanchez's brilliant volley put the hosts firmly in the driving seat at half-time in Tuesday night's Champions League group game before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to have sealed all three points with a third early in the second half.
However, Anthony Vanden Borre gave the visitors hope just after the hour with a close-range header and the former Portsmouth defender then added another from the penalty spot to make it 3-2.
Anderlecht claimed the equaliser which meant Arsenal missed the chance to book their place in the Champions League knockout stages when substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic headed home in the 90th minute.
"The main aim when you start the competition [is winning the group], so we threw everything away today," Arteta told Sky Sports 5.
"We have another two chances still, but you can't miss a chance in the Champions League as every team has qualities and you saw what happened today.
"We cannot afford to make the mistakes and concede three goals after going 3-0 up. It's not good enough. We're very disappointed and we missed a great opportunity to finish the job properly.
"We know what we're playing for and it was a massive day for us today. What happened in the second half is not the level required at this club."
