What a night, What game. This week has witnessed some exquisite football shows in Europe and the Mestalla Stadium wasn’t going to be left behind. Against all odds, the Gunners overwhelmed the Los Ches to head into their first European final in thirteen years.
Over the two legs, it was not an easy fete for Unai Emery and his boys but they showed great character to dismiss any cynicism. Away from home, despite going down early, the North London club soldiered on to secure a fantastic 4-2 win.
The game started on a high note and just like in the first leg Valencia were the better side in the early minutes. When Kevin Gameiro put the hosts ahead in just 11 minutes many would have thought that the week’s drama would carry on in Spain.
However, the lethal partnership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette banished any doubts as they again shared all the four goals amongst themselves. Who needs a comeback drama with such a strike force on their side? Lacazette scored one goal while the partner grabbed his first Arsenal hat-trick to claim the match ball.
Both strikers were outstanding but to be fair enough the night was Aubameyang’s. Against an intimidating opposition, his mentality and desire was incomparable. There is no part of the pitch that he didn’t cover- didn’t just wait for the ball in the opponent’s box but went back to diligently perform his defensive duties.
Though not wearing the Captain’s armband, Auba’s leadership shone throughout in an exemplary man of the match performance. As much as Emery’s men were the favorites to proceed to the final, few expected them to win and especially Spain.
Despite being shaky at the start of the game, Emery must be given credit on how he set up the team against Valencia. The manager knew that getting an away goal would settle nerves and tactically positioned his boys to go for it.
Aubameyang’s equalizer was a beauty and provided the Emirates club with self-belief after enduring a tough start. They reorganized, defended as a team and always looked to move the ball forward with purpose when in possession. Just like the Champions League final, the Europa League final will be an all-England affair.
Arsenal will face Chelsea in Baku on the 29th May in a ‘London Derby’. Who needs this the most? A cup is up for grabs but the Gunners recognize this as their last chance of qualifying for the Champion League and will have to be impeccable against a compact Sari team to emerge the Champions.
