Napoli 0-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points, Europa League 2018/19

Arsenal progress to the semi finals following a 3-0 aggregate win over Napoli
Arsenal progress to the semi finals following a 3-0 aggregate win over Napoli

#4 Lack of sharpness in front of goal costs Napoli a semi-final spot

Insigne cut a frustrated figure against Arsenal
Insigne cut a frustrated figure against Arsenal

Napoli boss opted to start with a front three of Insigne, Callejon and Milik as they looked to overturn a two goal deficit in the second leg against Arsenal. This decision saw Dries Mertens start from the bench against Unai Emery's Arsenal.

After having found themselves two goals down, it was important for the Gli Azzurri to score an early goal to get back in the tie. Instead, Napoli squandered quite a few brilliant chances to get back in the game.

Callejon had a brilliant chance in the 17th minute to round off a wonderfully executed counter as the former Real Madrid forward saw his attempt saved by the legs of Petr Cech. A few minutes later, Milik found the back of the net but was denied by the linesman as the Polish International strayed offside.

Napoli had a perfect chance to claw their way back in the tie, but poor decision making and finishing did them no favour as they found themselves having a mountain to climb following Lacazette's stunner nine minutes from half time.

The second half was the same as Napoli enjoyed majority of possession, but couldn't make it count and continued to be poor in front of goal. Milik yet again missed a guilt edge opportunity as he failed to convert a tap in from close range. Lorenzo Insigne also cut a frustrating figure as the Italian missed quite a few opportunities, mainly the one-on-one where he shot straight at Cech.

It was a combination of the above mentioned factors that saw Napoli eliminated from the Europa League against a well organised Arsenal side.

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