Unai Emery says he was pleased with the way his players bounced back from last week’s defeat to BATE Borisov as they comfortably overcame the Belarussians at the Emirates to progress 3-1 on aggregate.
An own goal by Zakhar Volkov after 4 minutes set the Gunners on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory which was completed by Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis who both headed home Granit Xhaka corners either side of the break.
Having been below par a week ago, Emery said he was thankful his players could complete the turnaround.
“We wanted this result,” he told BT Sport. “Also we wanted to play for our supporters here, to improve and build our mentality after first match away, which was not good.
“We did our best to come back (in the tie) and the team worked very well.
“But we also had to take precautions because if they scored they can be back in the match. Our message was if we score, carry on.
“If we scored two, carry on. Carry on and carry on. We needed two, three or four goals for more precaution in the 90 minutes.”
On a quiet evening at a half-empty Emirates Stadium – both the calibre of opposition and the awkward kick off time playing a role – Emery’s vigorous celebration of each goal really stood out.
Having come in for criticism over his tactics and team selection in recent weeks, he took comfort from his players executing his plan.
“The players did our game plan as we wanted,” he explained. “They arrived in the box a lot with a lot of crosses. And we showed the efficiency we went, which we didn’t have away.”
Arsenal will find out their opponents in the next round tomorrow.
No doubt “By the Numbers” will highlight Granit had Two Assist and his passing completion.
Instead bloody Mustafi scored a goal and we got a clean sheet.
8 points dropped to Soton, BHA and West Ham clearly his fault.
Ah, the deadly combination of the strawman argument and scapegoating. Can’t top that.
Thank u Emery.
We’re getting drawn with either of Dinamo Zagbreb or RB Salzburg. You heard it here first!
Inter or Napoli.
Sign me up!
Unfortunately we have shown to the whole of Europe that we are not as good as our reputation suggests. I have seen so mich talk of Ozil recently, and I think it has been a blessing for Emery because his tactics have been discussed less than his treatment of Mesut. I like that we have gone through, but a clear analysis of our coach has been missing. Blogs has been too focused on trying to convince people why Ozil shouldnt play and why this old school type of treatment is so good for him, that he has failed to look… Read more »
Not reaaally though. Emery hasn’t been criticized by any of the motd or sky pundits because they themselves or their colleagues have failed miserably trying their hand in management. So the whole meme of pound down on the manager has ended. None of the new managers are under any sort of fire from any of the pundits but they still do criticize arsenal midfielders for not creating enough chances and their “mentality”.
I think Sarri would disagree with you there tbh!
People aren’t being that judgemental on Emery yet because they know he’s inherited a deeply unbalanced squad, has had very limited funds and will take time to implement his style of football. And he has every right to try and do that, rather than continue to serve up the same dross of last season like so many on here apparently want him to do! As for Ozil we know there are deficiencies in his game, offensively and defensively, and Emery is again within his right to try and address those and get more from him. This squad finished 6th last… Read more »
Half empty…and how much we sold?
Might be a bit offtopic but can someone explain to me why british or premiere league fans alot of times head out the stadium round the 80th minute? Yesterday might not be the prime example but still. fans from all pl clubs do this all the time and i never witnessed it in other countries except as a sign of protest. is the traffic that bad!? it’s matchday, sleep 1-2h less.
I’ll assume you don’t go to many games, or live here, the reality is that if you don’t live in or around London and need to get a train home you’ll probably miss it if pure late – leaving at the same time as 50000 others who all take a similar route out (the underground) can delay you by over an hour possibly 2. Having said that I never used to leave earlier than full time until this season what if you’d missed the onset goal that our old teams used to produce? – but the football right now isn’t… Read more »
did u read my last sentence? delay by possible 2h…so what? and if the football isn’t worth sticking around than simple don’t go there, sell your ticket or don’t attend as a sign of protest. I don’t live in london nor england, so obviously it’s a big deal for me personally to take 3+ days to visit london and attend an arsenal game, gives me holiday feeling yada yada yada….but still, even if ur local and your time that precious…fine, but why these people don’t watch this games on telly? their mojo won’t be missed. people all around the world… Read more »