Europa League: Four conclusions as Arsenal knock out Napoli

Arsenal are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League after a goal by Alexandre Lacazette gave them the lead. It turned out to be the only goal of the game, making the aggregate 3-0 to the Gunners. It was a nervy encounter in a very hostile atmosphere, but Arsenal rose to the occasion and came out with flying colors, indeed.

This was arguably Arsenal's most disciplined away game in recent years. There was no sign of frustration in any players, and the away side was happy to defend deep in their own half. It was a robust performance from Monreal, Sokratis, and Koscielny at the back, with Niles and Kolasinac doing their duties to perfection as well, which eventually led to Carlo Ancelotti's men crashing out of Europe.

Arsenal avoided a potential banana skin as they put in a 10/10 team performance tonight, something the Gunners were unable to replicate against BATE Borisov and Rennes, away from home. Unai Emery fielded his best starting eleven and had one intention since the whistle, to score that vital away goal. Eventually, Emery's men got it through Lacazette's brilliance and the game seemed to cease for Napoli then and there itself.

Here are the four conclusions we learned from the game:

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#4 Kolasinac and Niles putting in the defensive shift

S.S.C. Napoli v Arsenal - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Second Leg.

Often criticized for not putting in the extra shift while playing away from home, both Kolasinac and Maitland Niles made sure they kept their critics silent as they were everywhere on the pitch, creating chances, dropping deep, recovering the ball, making tackles, and what not.

Arsenal's fullbacks heavily impacted the game as they gave utmost support to the back three when it came to defending crosses or counter attacks. Kolasinac restricted himself from going forward, something he always looks to do, and the Bosnian player obeyed his gaffers instructions to perfection.

Niles, on the other hand, though looked a bit weak at times, played a key part when Arsenal tried to break on counters and even tracked back to help out Sokratis. The 19-year-old played a decent role and certainly helped his team get the win.

#3 Sokratis and Koscielny ooze class!

Arsenal, in their last 7 competitive games has conceded only 1 goal, scoring nearly 11. They have played the likes of Man United, Watford, Newcastle, Everton, Napoli, Rennes, Napoli and the defensive duo of Sokratis and Koscielny have been playing massive roles in holding the fort.

Unai Emery was handed a huge blow when he lost both Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding through long term injuries. He struggled to manage back to back wins for Arsenal, often leading to illogical criticisms from the fans as well as the pundits.

However, he took his time and developed Maitland Niles for that right wing back position. He learned the squad better than anyone and with his defenders fit, Unai Emery's side is displaying top-class defending week in week out - thanks mainly to the Greek wall and Captain Kos.

#2 Insigne fails to capitalize on chances

If there was one player who could have made the difference, it was Lorenzo Insigne. Though the 27-year-old was often caught cold by Arsenal's defense, he had his chances to alter the scoreline. Insigne was ruled offside for more than four times in a single game, and he did not even play the full 90 minutes. His lack of focus certainly irritated Carlo Ancelotti, and eventually, the gaffer took his captain off for Dries Mertens.

Insigne fumbled upon his formulas, as he failed to deliver on the big stage. The midfielders often provided him with the perfect airballs, but the lack of concentration and terrible first touches cost Napoli a Europa League semi-final spot.

It certainly was a day to forget for Insigne and Napoli, and the winger will look to improve and fix his form against Atlanta in the Serie A next week.

#1 A disciplined performance from Arsenal

When was the last time you saw Arsenal keep back to back away clean sheets? Exactly. They faced two very attacking-minded teams in their last two away games, and the Gunners ran out as winners with clean sheets to their name as well.

Only one Arsenal player was given a yellow card last night and that was Arsenal's goalkeeper, Petr Cech, for allegedly wasting time during the goal kick. This tells us that Arsenal defended their goal with ease, despite the fact that they had to pit their wits against a side who scored past both Liverpool and PSG at the San Paulo.

Unai Emery and Arsenal have sealed a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and their next opponent is Valencia. The first leg will be at home, but this time, Emery's men will have to win the first leg with a better margin in order to book a berth in the final at Baku, as Valencia are not an easy side to defend against.

Edited by Kaushik Das