Unai Emery rued Nicolas Pepe's miss during the first half of Arsenal's defeat at Sheffield United as a key moment in yet another disappointment on the road for the Gunners.
Pepe had the chance to put the visitors in front at Bramall Lane but squandered the opportunity from Sead Kolasinac's cross.
Lys Mousset fired the Blades ahead shortly afterwards and, despite having all the ball in the second half, Arsenal failed to break down Chris Wilder's men.
And Emery pointed to Pepe's first-half miss when analysing his side following the match.
"The chance for us, for Pepe, was the key," he told reporters.
"Because if they score the first goal, defensively they’re very strong.
"Pepe is improving I think, but his way with us is little-by-little getting better, and the next step is to score.
"Tonight for example, the best chance is one he is usually going to score, but he didn’t take it with efficiency. He is improving and taking confidence, but it is one process."
Pepe is yet to score in open play for the Gunners since his club-record £72million move from Lille in the summer.
His only goal so far came from the penalty spot in Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates.
The Ivorian hit 23 goals in 41 matches for Lille last term but has so-far failed to replicate that form in England.
Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League after their reverse in Sheffield, two points adrift of Leicester and Chelsea in third and fourth place respectively.
