Arsenal deservedly reached their second consecutive semi-final of Europa League as they defeated strong Napoli with utmost ease, winning the tie on a 3-0 aggregate score. Unai Emery proved why is he called the king of Europa League having already won three consecutive titles while his days at Sevilla.
While the eastern Europe saw an English side torturing Napoli at their home, the other end saw Valencia win 5-1 on aggregate against Villarreal. Having won their respective games with considerable ease, Valencia and Arsenal will now face each other in Semi-finals.
Unai Emery proved one and all why he is the best when it comes to knockout stages of Europa League, out-performing the Italian giants in both legs. The first leg of semi-finals will be held at Emirates on May 2nd and the second one on 9th.
This time there’s no callable home and away leg for Unai Emery as he travels to his former club Valencia in the away game for Arsenal. The Spaniard will return to the beautiful city of Spain having achieved laurels already in England.
Unai Emery may not have his dependable man Ramsey in the first leg of semi-finals who was forced to leave the game in half-hour mark owing to hamstring injury. Even without Ramsey Arsenal would want to get a step forward than last year and further on to clinch the title, mostly against their London rivals Chelsea who are the favourites to win their semi-final tie against Eintracht.
An awaited reunion for Unai Emery, we already have an edge over Valencia with the experience, knowledge and fondness of the Spaniard among Valencia fans. With Unai Emery uniting back to Valencia, long time Gunners Francis Coquelin and Gabriel Paulista will reunite with Arsenal as well.
I hope the form of Arsenal and rejuvenation of their defence continues so that we are able to face a ruthless Spanish club.
