Arsenal's star strikers continue their fine individual form and smash Valencia to pieces as the Gunners march onto the Europa League final in Baku.
In what was an almost perfect performance for Emery's men, Arsenal now face Chelsea in what will surely be a cracker but with Chelsea's league fate already securing a spot in next season's Champions League, Unai Emery's men need it more. Can this hunger and this desire get them through? Certainly with Aubameyang and Lacazette in such dazzling form, anything is possible.
It was another disappointing opening stanza for Arsenal actually as an early Valencia attack created all sorts of mayhem in Arsenal's broken defence. Exploiting the void left by the marauding Maitland-Niles, Valencia attacked down their left and took advantage. A cross came in, and via a deflection, found it's way to the open Kevin Gameiro who tapped up from short range. Not the start anyone wanted from a red and white perspective.
However, credit Arsenal's resurgence, across both legs, as it again took less than ten minutes to find the leveler. The Gunners' first shot yielded their first goal as a Lacazette flick on found the gambling Aubameyang who smashed home a low swerving half volley. Game on again, and the pressure back on the hosts.
Half time surprisingly came with the game still at one all. However, the floodgates opened somewhat after the break as Alex Lacazette struck another fantastic finish, as he held off his opponent well and spun at the top of the box to find the far bottom corner, after more great link up play with Aubameyang. Valencia weren't down and out just yet though as Gameiro struck once again shortly after. 2-2 and very much still in Arsenal's hands but a nervy half an hour or so to go.
Step up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was cup tied for this competition last year - oh what could have been against Atletico had he been playing, as he slid home a real poachers finish from short range after good wide work from Maitland-Niles. He then rounded off a great night's work with his third after linking up with Lacazette again just outside the box, spinning his man and picking up the Frenchman's perfectly executed through ball. Aubameyang took one look up to find very little on in the box so instead he absolutely rifled the ball into the roof of the net. The goalie had no chance. 4-2 and game over but most importantly, tie over and a first European final since 2006 for the Gunners. Completing his first Arsenal hattrick must of felt great for Aubameyang but above all he showed commitment, hard work and was outstanding throughout. Alongside his striker partner Lacazette, the two combined for all seven goals in the tie.
Ratings
Unai Emery: 8.5
A great night for the man in charge, who got his starting XI spot on. Both personnel and shape were exactly what was required and even though it was another early goal conceded, he must now see that to beat teams, they just need to score more. It sounds obvious but Arsenal are never going to beat anyone one-nil so outscoring opponents is the only way. The only question marks over Emery in this one, again, was his substitutions. Mkhitaryan for Ozil changed nothing, brought nothing new and was ultimately pointless as the Armenian could barely find a ten yard pass, once again. Ozil didn't look happy either which is one thing but more importantly, why change for changes sake? That substitution should have solidified the midfield (who by the way had a pretty average game) or personified the glowing attack. Mkhitaryan for Ozil did neither. Mustafi for Kolasinac was the logical change, which involved no change in shape after the Bosnian went down with a knock, whilst Guendouzi for Torreira late on made sense as the energetic young Frenchman provided some much needed fresh legs in the engine room.
Petr Cech: 7.5
Sokratis: 6.5
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5
Nacho Monreal: 7
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 7
Granit Xhaka: 6
Lucas Torreira: 6
Sead Kolasinac: 6.5
Mesut Ozil: 7
Alex Lacazette: 9.5
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 10
Subs
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5
Shkodran Mustafi: 6
Matteo Guendouzi: 5
One last meaningless domestic game to negotiate against Burnley on Sunday before a week or so's break until a first European final for Unai Emery's Arsenal. That golden ticket to next season's Champions League awaits.
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