Good day one and all.
Arsenal is in Italy this evening to play Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo in the second leg of their Europa League encounter, holding a two goal lead as they look to reach their second consecutive semi-final in this competition.
The Gunners’ away form has been uninspiring making the first leg 2-0 not seem like much, but taking into account that we kept the Italian side from scoring what could have been a crucial away goal, gives us an advantage because as things stand the hosts need to beat us by at least three goals to progress in normal time. Of course if they win the tie 2 – 0 after extra time the game will go to a penalty shoot-out.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will remain hopeful though that they can get a positive result as they’re unbeaten in five European fixtures in Naples this season (W4, D1), with an aggregate score of 10-2, the last a 3-0 win over RB Salzburg.
Arsenal have mixed fortunes playing on Italian soil. They won five of their last nine matches, their most recent a 2 – 0 win over AC Milan in last season’s Europa Round of 16.
Both teams go into the game on the backs of league victories. Napoli a 3 – 1 over Chievo Verona and Arsenal a rather timid 1 – 0 win at Watford. I’m not entirely sure if we should read too much into our performance on Monday night. We took the lead early in the 10th minute and the Hornets lost Troy Deeney soon after, meaning, with the quick turnaround to our game tonight we didn’t really have to go full tilt, but instead pace ourselves. So a review of that match ought to be looked at as ‘job done’ because at this late stage of the season it is more about getting the right result than aesthetics.
Needless to say Arsenal weren’t the most pleasing on the eye in recent weeks but did win five of our last six games in all competitions, outscoring the opposition 10 – 1, and to get over the line tonight we could do with another decent defensive display.
The onus will be on Napoli to do it all if they are to turn this around, while Arsenal can afford to just sit back, soak up that vibrant Italian atmosphere and slow the game down while lying in wait to hit them on the counter. The Gunners just need to have one goal in them to open the hosts up, two goals … well … then they will have to put five past an Arsenal defence that has been resolute of late.
There has been concerns for Unai Emery on Laurent Koscielny and Lucas Torreira after Watford took bits out of them, but he did travel with a strong side to Italy, including Big Papa Sokratis who sat out Monday’s match due to league suspension. So it’s very unlikely the boss will leave this one up to chance and pick a much stronger side than the one that took the field against Rennes in our last Europa away match.
With Napoli being compelled to go for goals I don’t see this going to a penalty shoot out, because by playing offence they should play in our hands to open the game up and give us scoring opportunities. Our most important task will be to keep our heads and not risk getting anybody send off.
Now the only question is: can Arsenal do it on a Thursday night in Naples?
@LaboGoon
Positively Arsenal 
as is often the case, first goal may be vital, we get it then Napoli will have a real mountain to climb, they get it and our away days form could come into play in the players minds, it could be a real backs to the wall effort.
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Going to be a tough game, sounds like a very card happy ref as well.
Think a single goal for us will hopefully be enough, but more would be welcome!
Looking around, seems like the world and many Arsenal supporters are glorying in Tottenhams win, I distinctly remember quite a different reaction from them when we made the ECL final!
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Mandy, I suspect many arsenal fans are happy the quadruple is no longer on for man City…
at least I speak for my self. LOL
I just think Pep gets away with much posturing considering the amount spent on his teams… am happy with any team derailing him including spurs.
they have Ajax ahead so its not like they have reached Finals
Am predicting Ajax v Pool final with Ajax the winner
Just me but…
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I hope to see Auba & Laca together from the start tonight. Napoli are really tough at home but hey, so are we. Fancy a 2-2 draw and Valencia in the semis…
COYG!!
COYG!!
COYG!!
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The first goal is obviously important but we must also be clinical, which we weren’t against Watford. If we are good going forward that will take pressure of the back line and give Napoli to much to do. We have some excellent goal threats if they are clinical we should be ok COYG.
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COYG!
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Feeling nervous about this one, what with last night, and knowing how intense it can be in Naples. Still I reckon we can av em.Looks like UE gone for a more defensive selection. COYG!
At least we are wearing the red kit! COYG!
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Back three to start.
Carlo saw enough last week to target those pockets behind the wing backs. the gunners will look like a back five at times. No Ozil to help set up the counters when Napoli go hell for leather in the opening minutes, i’d have started with the playmaker myself but there is also an important game in the weekend, some juggling is required!
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< given that Napoli have nothing to play for in their league they will be well rested compared to the Gunners who were forced to play on Monday night*, substitutes in the second half will be key for the Gunners. Even if they score in the first half.
COYG
*many are supportive of Tottenham simply because they copy whey they hear on the witless wireless, given the understanding that anyone with the maturity to admit it can acknowledge that the FA and broadcasters have their favourites)
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Thanks for the preview Labo, we need to cut them open on the counter attack, I have to believe we have at least 1 goal in us tonight! I’d have liked to see Özil start but I think we’ll be solid. An early goal for us will help our nerves!
COYG!
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https://pbs.twimg.com/ad_img/1118930503992791041/2JRoIZv0?format=jpg&name=orig
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Napoli been close to scoring a couple of times now
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looks like Ramsey’s hamstring is gone, he pulled up holding it and is down
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Mkhitaryan on for Ramsey
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That might be the last time we see Rambo if it his hamstring.
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yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss lacazetteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee with a great free kick after he had been brought down, 1-0 to the Arsenal, 3-0 on agg
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get in there!!!!!!!!!!
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half time 1-0 to the Arsenal, pity to see ramsey go off, lacca with a wonder freekick, napoli lively
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so far so good! A few decisions going our way…seems ironic. COYG!!
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Well played Arsenal! Good control of the game, not overexposing ourselves and got the all important away goal! More of the same please!
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Lacazette’s goal helped, I can breathe now.
Coming so soon after the blow of losing Rambo, it’s a big big goal.
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PEA don’t half miss some easy chances for such a high scoring striker
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as it stands Arsenal, Chelsea and Valencia easily going through to the semi finals, the Frankfurt and Benfica tie is still on a knife edge with Benfica still a goal ahead
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Elneny on for Xhaka
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Offside not called and the Napoli striker can’t find the finish.
Napoli have put the ball in the Arsenal net at least three times in this tie when offside. Arsenal’s offside trap will hopefully get some credit from the plundits heh.
Miki playing like he’s upset he came on instead of Ozil!
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our final sub, Iwobi on for Lacazette
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Papa’s legend continues to grow.
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frankfurt 2 up so ahead on away goals
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Torreira down injured, we have made all our subs and still 15 to go, Cech wrongly booked a few minutes ago
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< was a lovely pass from Mikitaryean to Aubamayang for his missed chance.
He does miss a few but the stats are not alarming his conversion rate is decent, it's the amount of goals he scores that counts this season and most!
Napoli missing another big chance.
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Arsenal, Chelsea, Valencia and Frankfurt through to the semi finals
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Another win and clean sheet away! A scoreline steeped in Arsenal’s mythology.
A tough draw negotiated, well done Emery and his team
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3 clean sheets in a row, six in seven games, only goal we have let in in 7 games was v Everton
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so its Arsenal v Valencia in the semi final and Frankfurt v Chelsea in the other one
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Another 1-0 to the Arsenal!
Well done our boys…highly professional Italian job.
UE might be on to something ..finally (Aubazette’s the best way to play away).
On to The Mestalla.
Congrats Positivistas
We march on!
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Tempted to check Kolasinac’s passing stats but I think I’ll pass, heh sorry I couldn’t help myself.
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Check them and post them Fins, I’m interested.
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why was Granit taken off and how bad was Aaron. I know he walked off but we cant afford to lose midfielders of their quality at this stage of the season.
Great win tonight shame no Santi in the next round but great to see Gabs and Le Coq who must be about 94 now surely.
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Well done to the boys! Professional job, felt that we held them at arm’s length all night. Getting that goal was a crusher! Looking at the fixtures list over the next 2 weeks i see that our schedule is brutal. Hope that Rambo’s injury is very slight….we are going to need everyone!
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Emery On Ramsey injury
He was in a very important moment. This injury today will give us some matches without him.
I don’t know [if he will play for Arsenal again]
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Looking at whoscored.com I see that the entire team struggled in passing, Kolo was actually a bright spot at 79%… it wasn’t pretty but then that wasn’t the point was it? Getting through is all that mattered at this point!
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New post is up
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afcstuff
@afcstuff
51m51 minutes ago
Europa League semi-final details:
Arsenal vs. Valencia
May 2nd – kick-off 8pm (UK time)
Emirates Stadium
Valencia vs. Arsenal
May 9th – kick-off 8pm (UK time)
Mestalla Stadium
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