“I feel responsible” – Arsenal star sends apology to fans after Watford horror-show

Sokratis has taken to social media to send an apology to Arsenal fans following his crucial error during our shambolic 2-2 draw with Watford on Sunday afternoon.

After a sluggish start at Vicarage Road, Arsenal took the lead against the run of play when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired home on the turn after being set-up by Sead Kolasinac in the 21st minute.

Arsenal looked to be heading to an important three points when Mesut Ozil released Ainsley Maitland-Niles with a superb through-ball and the full-back squared for Aubameyang to make it 2-0 at half-time.

However, we totally capitulated after the break and once again it was all our own making with individual errors proving costly. Sokratis was at fault for the vital first Watford goal as he was caught out trying to play out from a goal-kick inside his own box. The Greek international’s stray pass was intercepted allowing Tom Cleverley to lash home from 18 yards to making it 2-1.

The Arsenal players looked defeated and Watford pilled on the pressure which eventually led to David Luiz conceding an 81st minute penalty. Roberto Pereyra made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-2. [Watch the goals here]

Sokratis has now taken to Twitter to post an apology to the fans and to say he feels responsible for Arsenal dropping two valuable points but the centre-back insists he’ll work hard to put things right.

Today’s result is not good for us. I feel responsible for this result, so I would like to apologise to all of you. I don’t like to hide, and I will keep working hard in order to achieve our goals. pic.twitter.com/to7IOViTcS

— Sokratis Papastathopoulos (@SokratisPapa5) September 15, 2019

The first Watford goal was undoubtedly the turning point in the game as we were cruising to an important three points until Sokratis’ stray pass gifted the hosts a way back into the match.

However, it’s good to see him take responsibility for his error and I also think much of the blame must lie at Unai Emery’s door as he is instructing his players to try and play out from the back. It’s utter madness with very little upside and it’s just asking for trouble. It seemed like only a matter of time before a pumped-up Watford side would steal possession and snatch a goal, and that’s exactly what happened.

At 2-0 up away from home, Emery should have instructed Bernd Leno to kick it high up the pitch during the second half but he insisted on playing out from his own box and only has himself to blame for the poor result.