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Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal (1-5) – Gunners cruise to Europa League semi-finals

By Megan Garbutt

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 15: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Sinobo Stadium on April 15, 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Martin Sidorjak/Getty Images)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 15: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Sinobo Stadium on April 15, 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Martin Sidorjak/Getty Images) /
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3. Attacking threat was key

Arsenal future star Bukayo star
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal star to come /

Three out of Arsenal’s four attacking players got their name on the scoresheet on Friday night, while the other was unlucky to get his goal ruled offside. This shows how threatening all of the attacking players were going forward into the final third, and just how crucial they were in the end result.

Emile Smith-Rowe had an outstanding game, running everywhere, full of energy and being that link-up pivot player in the centre of the attack for other players to feed off.

The youngster got a well-earned assist for the first goal of the night after having his own effort ruled offside, and really proved how crucial he has been for this Arsenal side since becoming a regular starter this season.

Every time he picked the ball up, Smith-Rowe was driving forward into the final third and picking out passes for his teammates, who were able to produce the finishes that were needed.

Bukayo Saka also had a great game, getting his name on the scoresheet as well as winning Arsenal their penalty and also striking the woodwork early on.

The youngster’s first-half stats included two tackles and an interception, as well as 100% duel and cross accuracy rates. The 19-year old, who doesn’t turn 20 till September, has exceptional stats in the Europa League at Arsenal with four goals and eight assists in 15 games for the Gunners.

The partnership and link-up of both academy graduates have really shone this season in the first team, and both are such crucial players going forward into the future.

Finally, you can’t forget Nicolas Pepe, who had a brilliant game on the right wing, getting on the scoresheet and grabbing an assist.

Recently, the Ivorian has built up so much more confidence and has played some crucial parts in lots of Arsenal’s recent games. He has now been directly involved with nine of Arsenal’s Europa League goals this campaign, with no player in the competition having a higher goal involvement.

With a £72 million price tag, expectations are always going to be high for a player labelled with such a high price tag and this season, especially towards the end as he begins to get more regular game time, the 25-year old is becoming a very important player in the squad going forward.

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