Mikel Arteta has sounded the alarm after Arsenal scraped through to the next round of the UEFA Champions League, edging past Slavia Prague 2-1 in a contest that was far tighter than the Gunners would have wanted.

The Arsenal manager did not shy away from criticism following the final whistle, acknowledging that his side made the match far more difficult than it needed to be. Despite coming away with three crucial points, Arteta was clear that the performance left plenty of room for improvement.

"We have a lot to learn," Arteta said, sending a pointed message to his squad after a display that will have offered little comfort heading into the more demanding stages of the competition.

Arsenal created enough to win the match but were repeatedly made to work hard by a Slavia Prague side that refused to be overawed by their more decorated opponents. The Czech side pulled one back to make the closing stages a nervy affair, ensuring the Gunners had to hold on rather than coast to victory.

The 2-1 result keeps Arsenal in contention in the UEFA Champions League, but Arteta's post-match tone made clear he expects a significant step up in the performances to come. For a club with Arsenal's ambitions in Europe this season, squeezing past Slavia Prague in this fashion will serve as a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted at this level.