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Arsenal take a huge step towards the semi-finals of the Europa League following a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Emirates.
Aaron Ramsey and an own goal by Kalidou Koulibaly in a space of 11 minutes in the first-half already put the Gunners in a good position, though the Welshman missed a glorious chance to double his tally after the break.
The Partenopei, on the other hand, once again came a cropper at the big stage. Carlo Ancelotti's side lacked the firepower to cause any trouble in the attack, and also struggled to find defensive composure as the opening half saw the backline all over the place. Now they face an uphill task at home when the sides reconvene for the second-leg in a week's time.
Here are the hits and flops from the match.
Hit: Aaron Ramsey
In his final season with the Gunners, Ramsey is enjoying his best season to date. And the Welshman carried his rich vein of form into the match to turn in another blinder and clinch the man-of-the-match prize.
Ramsey was quick off the ball and brilliantly picked out passes. His excellent reading of the game allowed him to drive forward and latch on to Mohamed Elneny's cross to fire the opener from close range. He took a wrecking ball to the Napoli defense with his mazy dribbles and also demonstrated his passing range with 86% accuracy.
The 28-year old midfield maestro showed what exactly are the Gunners faithfuls going to miss once he departs for Turin over the summer as his penetrative runs from the deep caused plenty of problems at the heart of the Partenopei whilst also linked up well with his team-mates to keep the attacking juices flowing.
His only frustrating moment of the night was when he blazed an effort from close range into the stands in the second-half while tapping it in was the easiest thing to do. It would've killed the tie altogether, but rest assured he was massive in the crucial win.
Flop: Napoli defense
The Partenopei have some of the meanest defense in Serie A, but the wobbly and lackadaisical nature in the match gave a poorer imitation of itself.
It all started with Ramsey's opener when he found pockets of space at the heart of the defense to run into and tap home. Arsenal's excellent passing game in the build-up deserves credit, but some poor positional awareness aided their cause too.
With such defensive indolence notwithstanding, Koulibaly deflected Lucas Torreira's effort into his own net just a couple of minute later. The Uruguayan had all the time and space to take a touch, adjust himself, and unleash a shot that comes off the Senegalese's shin and lands safely into the back of the net.
Even though there were no goals after the break, Napoli continued to be on tenterhooks as Arsenal pushed for a third. There was no communication whatsoever amongst the backline and nearly conceded a third when Ramsey once again caught them off-guard.
Hit: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The Arsenal graduate redeemed himself after the horrific outing at Goodison Park with a largely positive performance and also assisted Ramsey for the opener.
Maitland-Niles wonderfully picked out a short pass from Alexandre Lacazette and after a twist and turn, laid it on for Ramsey who did the rest. The 21-year old was a dagger through Napoli's heart with his great runs and often got into good positions.
He twice tested the visitors with efforts of his own, whilst also proving to be a huge deal on the ball with his tackling and dribbling skills. And unlike on Monday, he imbued great confidence as he looked like a man seeking redemption.
Maitland-Niles' every touch on the ball signified it, and also connected well with the likes of Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He now has a hand in two goals at the Emirates in the last as many games after having none in the previous 27. Periscope is pointing upwards for the youngster.
Flop: Dries Mertens
Carlo Ancelotti's decision to play the Belgian striker in place of Arkadiusz Milik backfired as his lack of game time showed and rarely ever threatened the hosts.
His link-up play was sloppy and lacked the firepower to make an impact in the final third. In fact, Mertens didn't even make a single effort all night, let alone direct one on target. His 26 touches on the ball was also the lowest among the 22 players.
Mertens has been a wellspring of goals for Napoli over the years, but this season he's been relegated to the bench by an in-form Milik. And this cap on opportunities seems to have taken a wrecking ball to his confidence. He even though scored thrice in the previous four games, never appeared to add to that tally.
Playing Mertens alongside Lorenzo Insigne was meant to stretch open Arsenal defense with their pace, but the visitors crossed the ball out wide instead. So when Milik was introduced in place of Mertens in the 66th minute, Napoli looked more threatening and created a couple of decent chances.
