Arsenal fans think Erik ten Hag is to blame after picking up injuries against Sporting Lisbon

After Arsenal picked up two injuries against Sporting Lisbon, Gunners fans are convinced Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is to blame.

On Thursday night, it was a largely disappointing night for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal as they crashed out of the Europa League against Sporting.

Having drawn 2-2 in the first leg, both teams arrived at the Emirates Stadium confident that they can get the job done.

The tie ended up going all the way to penalties and it was Sporting who sneaked through after Gabriel Martinelli missed the vital spot kick.

To rub salt in the wounds, Arsenal saw two players come off early due to injury, in the shapes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba.

Arsenal fans quickly put the blame on United boss Ten Hag after his recent comments.

The Dutchman said: “When you see all season we have had some setbacks, every time we've dealt with it. We have to deal with it well but Arsenal, all the time their squad is totally available.”

On social media, one fan said: “Ten Hag speaking these Arsenal injuries into existence.”

Another tweeted: “So Ten Hag you were saying about Arsenal’s injury-free squad??????”

A third fan added: “He bloody jinxed us. Ten Hag talked about Arsenal and their injury-free record this season the other day. Immediately the injuries come flooding in. Tomiyasu and now Saliba forced off...”

Someone else wrote: “2 injuries. Extra time. We didn't need this. Ten Hag jinxed us I swear.”

Although Arteta and his team will feel disappointed after being knocked out of the Europa League, it could actually be a blessing in disguise.

Arsenal are in pole position to clinch the Premier League title as they have a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Now with no distractions from other competitions, they will have more time to rest and prepare as they look to win their first title since the 03/04 season.