'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There was a lot at stake when Arsenal faced Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday. While other fixtures in the competition had already been decided after the first leg, this one was far from over.
Following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, the two teams had everything to play for and a lot to prove.
However, unlike in the first leg, Arsenal rose to the occasion and put in an assured performance away from home.
The Gunners were duly rewarded with a heavy 4-0 win, courtesy of goals from Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka as well as a brace from Alexandre Lacazette.
Captain’s performance from Alexandre Lacazette
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ruled out of the game due to malaria, Alexandre Lacazette was named as stand-in captain against Slavia Prague.
The Frenchman started the night in iconic fashion. A photo of him taking a knee with the armband strapped to his arm while the Slavia Prague players stood over him unconcerned went viral before kickoff.
Once the game itself started, Lacazette was a constant menace in attack and put in a solid performance while leading the line for Arsenal.
The 29-year-old's two goals were deserved rewards for his impeccable output against Slavia Prague. This was, by far, one of his best matches in an Arsenal shirt - a true captain’s performance.
Arsenal set up Unai Emery reunion in Europa League semi-finals
Arsenal sealed a 5-1 aggregate win over Slavia Prague, thereby securing a ticket to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
A reunion with former boss Unai Emery awaits, with the Spanish manager also guiding Villarreal past Dinamo Zagreb in the other quarter-final fixture.
It’s going to be a tough match, but Mikel Arteta must now devise a plan to thwart the tactics of the man whom he replaced at the Emirates.
Arteta said after the game (as quoted by Goal):
"It will be really tough and Unai Emery is probably the most successful manager in this competition."
"There is still a lot to do and things we can improve on, but we have a real desire to improve and be better every day.”
Arsenal’s season hasn’t been perfect, but nothing will matter if they win the Europa League. They will be taking a huge step towards that if they manage to overcome Villarreal.
