Europa League: Arsenal 2-0 Napoli - Hits and Flops

Arsenal beat Napoli by 2-0 to be in the driving seat for semi-final spots
Arsenal beat Napoli by 2-0 to be in the driving seat for semi-final spots

Flop: Napoli defense

Koulibaly's own goal summed up Napoli's difficult night
Koulibaly's own goal summed up Napoli's difficult night

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.

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