Arsenal blew away Slavia Prague thanks to three goals in six minutes during the first half to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night, when Mikel Arteta’s side ran comfortable 4-0 winners.
After Emile Smith Rowe’s early strike was ruled out for offside, the Gunners finally took the lead thanks to a lovely piece from Nicolas Pepe. Ivory Coast International managed to stay on their feet after running a couple of challenges before shooting high into the Slavianet.
SAY IT’S CLASS! ?
A fantastic start to the match for Arsenal who have scored three early goals! ??? #UEL pic.twitter.com/I8tStBBmUm
– Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 15, 2021
Just minutes later, the visitors had the chance to double the lead at night when Bukayo Saka was pulled down in the area, with Alexandre Lacazette stepping up to cool home the resulting penalty.
With less than 25 minutes on the clock, it was 3-0 for the Gunners when Saka drove into the field before he fired his attempt inside the near post.
The rest of the game suddenly became something of a procession, with the home team striving very little to gain a foothold in the tie, and Lacazette’s second in the match 13 minutes from time gave a little more shine to a quality performance.
These are the highlights of the match, now to the ratings of the Arsenal players …
Bernd Leno started in goal for Gunners | Martin Sidorjak / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Given very little to do at night as Arsenal continued to flood forward. Did the simple things well but a little more he could have done in justice.
Calum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – A solid display as he continued in right-back position. Offered a lot going forward and never looked like being beaten in his own half.
Rob Holding (CB) – 5/10 – Made some late challenges during the second half and was lucky to escape without booking.
Pablo Mari (CB) – 7/10 – Won everything Slavia threw in the box and did not really put a foot in place all evening.Granit Xhaka (LB) – 6/10 – Asked to fill in left back and did a good job considering. Used his passing area to spread the game from his deeper position.
Emile Smith Rowe ends up in a challenge | Martin Sidorjak / Getty Images
Thomas Partey (CM) – 6/10 – Kept things that ticked over in midfield and offered a safety blanket in front of the defense in the second half.
Dani Ceballos (CM) – 5/10 – Pretty nice in possession but let the game go past him slightly.
Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 8/10 – Showed some wonderful bits of close control and rarely gave the ball away in the middle of the pitch. Fighting, aggressive and never gave up the fight for possession. A very mature screen for such a young player.
Alexandre Lacazette doubles Arsenal’s lead at night | Martin Sidorjak / Getty Images
Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 7/10 – Brilliant little game when he opened the scoring at night. Used his pace well during the second half as he looked to stretch the home team’s back line.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 7/10 – Severe punishment for doubling the lead of his team. Did a great job leading the line and took both of his goals very well.
Bukayo Saka (LW) – 8/10 – His influence on this Arsenal team just keeps growing. A very good performance when he grabbed a goal and an assist to pull his side to the last four in the competition.
We have made our first change tonight …
↩️ @EmileSmithRowe? @ElNennY
Well played, Emile?
⚪ 0-3? (67) | (1-4 agg)
? #UEL pic.twitter.com/igTpL0M1DH
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2021
Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 6/10
Gabriel Martinelli (ST) – 7/10
Cedric Soares (RB) – 6/10
Eddie Nketiah (RW) 5/10
Folarin Balogun (ST) – Not applicable
