A refreshed Arsenal side beat Valencia 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium thanks to the ‘lethal’ striker partnership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The Gunners looked tensed in the opening stages, were off-color at the back and paid a price.
The away side started strongly, putting the Gunners under constant pressure early on and they were rewarded for their efforts when they grabbed the first goal of the game just in the Eleventh minute. Given the recent poor performances, many Arsenal fans didn’t know what to expect from their team after they conceded.
However, the North London club’s response was amazing. They were a team on a mission to prove their critics wrong and in the 26th minute, they were already leading 2-1 courtesy of the lethal Lazazette.
Coming from a poor run, which has seen them lose three consecutive matches in the Premier League, the Gunners needed some genuine stimulus to get a result against Marcelino’s Men. It is fair to say that Aaron Ramsey has been the most influential player for the Emirates club in the Europa League this season.
However, with Welsh sidelined for the rest of the season after picking a hamstring injury someone had to step up and inspire the team past the visitors. Lacazette was to be the man. Appalling start but what a contribution from the French to get his team back in the game.
His work rate was truly amazing and his game off the ball was significant. Throughout the 90 minutes, he proved to be a nuisance to the visitors who failed to come up with a strategy to successfully handle him. Having started poorly Unai Emery will surely be happy with his team’s reaction.
The boys tightened up and controlled the match; created more chances and had much of the ball. Against Valencia, shoulders never dropped even after going down. This was a different showing from what has been witnessed in the recent games where there has been a clear lack of intent.
Here the team played with purpose, always looking to drop the ball into dangerous positions. No single player can be blamed for a lack of effort as everyone displayed great commitment in their play. Heading to Mestalla next week, Arsenal will be confident after Aubameyang scored the third vital goal in the closing minutes.
Though there is still a lot to be done, the goal is massive for the North London Club who will be heading to Spain on the driver’s seat.
