Arsenal's European hopes ended on Thursday with defeat by Sporting Lisbon - but could it ultimately prove a blessing in disguise?
The Gunners bowed out in the last 16 of the Europa League in a penalty shootout - the first Arsenal have competed in at Emirates Stadium - capping off a hugely dramatic encounter.
In a gruelling 120 minutes, Arsenal conceded a stunning 46-yard equaliser, lost players to injury and ultimately came away with nothing.
So will this hurt Mikel Arteta's side - who currently lead the Premier League by five points - or will they see it as a 'blessing' with bigger ambitions in mind, as suggested by former defender Martin Keown?