Mertens: 'Arsenal no stronger than Napoli'

By Football Italia staff

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.”

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