It was the first leg of the Europa League semifinal stage and exciting fixtures for the fans. Arsenal who are fighting to qualify for the champions league hosted Valencia who have been doing really well in this competition so far, for their first leg semifinal encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are having a mix of ups and downs this season yet again under the new manager, but have shown some signs of improvements in certain areas of the pitch and have been doing great so far in the Europa League. They are currently in a very difficult position regarding their top 4 race this season and will be looking to put everything to try to win the Europa League, which will automatically put them in a Champions League. Getting the crucial win at home against Valencia was very important for them and are now on the forefront for the tie on paper.
Valencia are also fighting for the top 4 in the La Liga and still has the possibility to make it into the top 4. This competition has been great for them and have really performed well so far. The Europa League is one of their biggest targets this season and will be aiming to win it. They are now on the back foot with their loss away at the Emirates Stadium but the tie isn’t over yet and it is still very possible for them to turn the tie around at home.
Brief Post-Match Analyses
It was a great atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium for the semifinal first leg showdown, the whole fans were buzzing and excited about the game.
Arsenal lineup in a 3-4-1-2 formation, while Valencia lineup in a 5-3-2 formation. The game began, Valencia were really showing signs of intent and had a very good chance very early in the game. Not too long, they finally get the all-important away goal a few minutes later. Arsenal were also trying to put their mark on the game and were able to get the crucial equalizer within few minutes, before scoring 2 more to see off the tie at home.
Diakhaby scored the only goal for Valencia and the first goal of the match in the 11th minute, heading in the second ball from a very good corner kick.
Lacazette scored the equalizer for Arsenal 7 minutes later, firing the ball into an open net after been setup by Aubameyang from a very nice attacking play.
Lacazette put the gunners in front in the 25th minute, heading in a very good cross to put his team on the front foot.
Aubameyang sealed the victory for the gunners few minutes before the final whistle, firing in the ball from the far post to give Arsenal the all-important cushion victory.
It was a very good game at the Emirates Stadium and a very crucial win by Arsenal while Valencia will be disappointed to lose by 3 goals to 1. The gunners are now on the forefront but nevertheless, the tie isn’t over yet as there are still a lot to play for in the second leg in Spain.
And that is a wrap…
What do you think about this match?
I would love to read your own opinions… Enjoy your day.
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