Arsenal manager Unai Emery says he has confidence his side can overturn Rennes’ 3-1 lead at Emirates Stadium in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Alex Iwobi’s early cross-shot had put Arsenal in front but they lost control of the game after Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ dismissal for a second booking.
Benjamin Bourigeaud immediately drew the hosts level with a stunning strike into the top right corner, with Nacho Monreal’s own goal and Ismaila Sarr’s late header compounding a miserable evening for Arsenal.
“The red card changed the game more than we wanted,” Emery said.
“The first 40 minutes we controlled, we scored, we didn’t concede good chances. I think we can do better and I have confidence with our players and our supporters helping us.”
Arsenal go into the second leg having overturned a 1-0 deficit in the last-32 stage.
On that occasion, they progressed with a 3-0 home victory over Belarus side Bate Borisov.
