Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe were on the scoresheet as Arsenal thrashed Slavia Prague 4-0 to qualify for the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Coming into the game with a 1-1 first leg scoreline, Arsenal had their task cut out against Slavia Prague. And they took little to get going as Emile Smith Rowe had the ball into the back of the net just 12 minutes in, but the goal was chalked off for offside. Nevertheless, Nicolas Pepe gave the Gunners the lead in the 18th minute after being played in by Smith Rowe.
Four minutes later, Arsenal were two goals to the good as Alexandre Lacazette buried home a penalty after Bukayo Saka had been fouled inside the Slavia box. Three more minutes and Mikel Arteta’s men had the tie in their pockets as Saka scored a stunning goal after cutting in from the right flank before unleashing a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Slavia Prague rung in the changes at half-time to try and spark a turnaround, but one was not forthcoming as Arsenal were in cruise control before Lacazette scored his second goal of the night in the 77th minute to add more sheen to the scoreline. It was a statement performance from the Gunners that sets up a semi-final meeting with former manager Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
Here’s how we rated the performances of Arteta’s men on a crucial night at the Sinobo Stadium.
Bernd Leno: 6/10
One of the easiest clean sheets he will have kept in Arsenal colours. Slavia offered little in terms of attacking threat as his team were all over them throughout. Could have been a bit more precise with his passing, though.
Calum Chambers: 7.5/10
Another game wherein he was preferred over Hector Bellerin and he once again fully justified the selection with a solid all-round display. Did his bit defensively when needed to and provided a handy outlet down the right flank even getting the assist for Saka’s goal in the first period. Making a strong case to become the first-choice right-back.
GET IN THERE!!!
Solid performance from the lads ?
Let’s keep this going #coyg pic.twitter.com/6AhNKY3PX5— Calum Chambers (@CalumChambers95) April 15, 2021
Rob Holding: 7/10
Another solid outing for the Englishman who marshalled the defence well and ensured that the Slavia Prague forward, Jan Kuchta, did not get a sniff of the Arsenal goal all game. Made a couple of tackles, an interception and five clearances.
Pablo Mari: 7/10
Like in the game against Sheffield United at the weekend, the Spaniard’s presence brings a sense of calm and composure to the Gunners’ backline. Used the ball well, posting a 93% pass accuracy and ensured there were no slip-ups at the back, finishing with a game-high six clearances. Should be the first-choice ahead of Gabriel Magalhaes now, surely.
Granit Xhaka: 7/10
Another game where he got the nod at left-back, Xhaka managed to impress yet again, putting in a solid shift off the ball. Was not troubled a great deal defensively, but was alert when needed to be. His quality on the ball was important for Arsenal to build up from the back while it also came in handy to help them see out the game without any issues. Arteta may have unlocked something here.
Thomas Partey: 8/10
Thomas Partey in the first half against Slavia Prague:
◉ Most tackles made (4)
◉ Most interceptions (3)Letting everyone else go all-out attack. ? pic.twitter.com/6box62sPfE
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 15, 2021
Starting to show why Arsenal shelled out the big bucks for him in the summer. Another dominant performance in the middle of the park from Partey, who did not give an inch to his Slavia Prague counterparts while being neat and tidy when in possession. Finished with a game-high five tackles and three interceptions while misplacing just four of his 30 passes.
Dani Ceballos: 7.5/10
Back-to-back solid performances from the Real Madrid loanee, who operated in a rather free role in the left-side channel rather than sticking tight to Partey in midfield. Pressed the opponents, worked really hard when not in possession and kept things ticking along nicely when he did have the ball. Made one key pass, completed three dribbles while also making two tackles and interceptions each.
Bukayo Saka: 9/10
Got Arsenal off to a stunning start, hitting the inside of the post with a brilliant curling effort, the rebound from which Smith Rowe scored, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Continued to weave webs around the Slavia Prague defenders with his razor-sharp movement and link-up play as he won the penalty which Lacazette scored before getting a goal for himself not long after. What a talent!
Bukayo Saka's #UEL career by numbers so far:
◎ 15 games
◎ 8 assists
◉ 4 goalsSpicy stuff. ? pic.twitter.com/m96c7RNvZF
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 15, 2021
Emile Smith Rowe: 9/10
Back into the starting XI after recovering from an injury, playing in the No. 10 role that he relishes so much, Smith Rowe looked up for it from the get-go. Reacted quickly to finish off the rebound from Saka’s shot but unfortunately, was offside.
Made his mark soon after, though, showing his awareness to set Pepe up for the opening goal. Continued to cause all sorts of problems with the way he moved and linked up those around him, making the most of pockets of spaces in the final third. Finished with a team-high two key passes along with three dribbles completed. Has to be one of the biggest positives of the season for Arsenal.
Emile Smith Rowe completed more take-ons (3) and created more chances (2) than any other Arsenal player during his time on the pitch against Slavia Prague.
An assist (and almost a goal) to show for it. #UEL pic.twitter.com/H6yIKSVVkc
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 15, 2021
Nicolas Pepe: 8.5/10
Another Europa League game, another goal for the Ivory Coast international, who was the Player to Watch in our match preview. Composed and clinical to bury his chance and open the scoring for Arsenal. Went on to get the assist for Lacazette’s second goal of the night late in the game as well. Direct, purposeful and productive – a very good outing for the record signing.
Alexandre Lacazette: 9/10
Having scored a double in the league game against Sheffield United, Lacazette was in the mood for goals again as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to convert from the penalty spot in the first half before adding another to his tally with a composed finish in the second.
Donning the captain’s armband, the Frenchman looked fired up from the moment he stared off the opposition as he took a knee just before kick-off. Led the team by example and spearheaded the attack with purpose, finishing with one key pass and dribble apart from his two goals.
Incredible moment. Arsenal played Slavia Prague in Europa League tonight. In previous round, a Prague defender racially abused Rangers’ Glen Kamara, a former Arsenal player. Before kick-off, entire Arsenal team took a knee, with captain Lacazette staring Czechs down eye to eye ? https://t.co/uA0mKDKnzG
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) April 16, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Mohamed Elneny: 6/10
Came on for Smith Rowe in the 67th minute. Helped see out the game without any hiccups.
Gabriel Martinelli: N/A
Replaced Saka in the 79th minute. Booked. Almost managed to add a fifth goal.
Eddie Nketiah: N/A
Sent on in place of Lacazette in the 79th minute.
Cedric Soares: N/A
On for Partey with a little over ten minutes left.
Folarin Balogun: N/A
Replaced Pepe in the 88th minute.
