Mikel Arteta reacts to Tottenham’s Europa League exit

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Mikel Arteta has accused Tottenham Hotspur of taking Dinamo Zagreb for granted on Thursday night as the Arsenal manager responded to Tottenham’s exit from the Europa League – in quotes published on the club’s website.

Spurs went into their match against Zagreb with a comfortable 2-0 win in the first leg thanks to a brace from Harry Kane last week. It was widely expected that the North Londoners would progress, even if they failed to win the match.

But a stunning brace from Mislav Orsic took the game into extra-time and then, cutting inside from the left, the 28-year-old attacker who boasts five Croatia caps, lashed a stunning effort into the bottom corner past a shell-shocked Hugo Lloris.

It was a hammer blow for Spurs who looked lethargic and certainly, well below their best. Spurs will be focused on a late push for the top four and the Carabao Cup final but it is a huge blow to their season – and Arsenal boss Arteta has responded.

“It shows as well the level of opposition, that people take for granted that you play against an opponent and you will go through, because the name of the club that they represent. It is not like that, every team in Europe is difficult to beat,” Arteta said.

TBR’s view – Tottenham need to finish in top four

Or Jose Mourinho will start to come under increasing pressure. There are already many Spurs fans questioning the future of Mourinho on social media – after a North London derby defeat and now a European exit.

If Spurs are to resurrect any kind of success this season, they have to beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final – an achievement that looks beyond them – and to finish in the top four. A tall order, but one that is still possible.