Slavia Prague 0 - 4 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points as Gunners advance into the semi-finals | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

Arsenal cruised to a comfortable victory against Slavia Prague
Arsenal cruised to a comfortable victory against Slavia Prague

#3 Arsenal youngsters make their mark against Slavia Prague

Emile Smith Rowe laid an assist for Nicolas Pepe
Emile Smith Rowe laid an assist for Nicolas Pepe

Last week, BBC reported that without Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in the starting eleven, Arsenal have won just 41% of their games. However, when the two youngsters started, the Gunners' win percentage massively increased to 67%.

Against their Czech Republic opponents, the duo were once again instrumental in Arsenal's victory.

Saka won 100% of his duels (4) in the first 45 minutes, while Smith Rowe now has the joint-most assists (7) for the North London side this season.

Given their superb performance, Martin Keown said on BT Sport:

“They’re the present & the future. They’re showing that tonight.”

#2 Alexandre Lacazette is becoming Arsenal's main man

Alexandre Lacazette scored a brace
Alexandre Lacazette scored a brace

It was another outstanding performance from Alexandre Lacazette, who has scored back-to-back braces; first against Sheffield United and now against Slavia Prague.

Although Aubameyang appears unable to find his scoring boots this season, Lacazette tops Arsenal's goalscoring chart with 13 goals in the Premier League. Furthermore, adding on to his goal against Rapid Vienna back in December 2020, the Frenchman has now netted thrice in the Europa League.

Lacazette, who turns 30 this summer, will become a free agent by June 2022 if he does not extend his contract with the Gunners.

Previously, Arteta said:

“The situation with Laca will get addressed in the summer. I will speak to him and just propose a future that we want and that’s it. Now I just want players focused and only focused on performing and getting the best out of them for the team.”

It remains to be seen whether the former Lyon striker will remain at Arsenal in the long term.


#1 Arsenal to face Unai Emery's Villarreal in Europa League semi-final

Arsenal face their former manager in two weeks
Arsenal face their former manager in two weeks

With Villarreal overcoming Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 on aggregate, Arsenal will be facing Unai Emery's side two weeks later on 29 April and 6 May.

It is going to be an awkward encounter considering the club's relationship with Emery did not end on a good note. The Spaniard was sacked after a series of poor results back in the 2019/20 season.

To be fair to the 49-year-old, Emery has won more points (88) than Arteta (78) after 51 Premier League games played. However, his relationship with the Arsenal players broke down and that marked the end of his managerial career in England.

Currently, Villarreal are 7th in the La Liga table while the Gunners are 9th and a far cry off UEFA Champions League qualification spots.

It will be Emery's first game back at the Emirates Stadium since his departure and the spotlight will be on Arsenal as they vie for European glory.

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