“This Is Why I Laughed At Arsenal” Ben Arfa Reveals Why He Publicly Laughed During Arsenal’s Humiliating 3-1 Defeat to Rennes

Rennes forward Hatem Ben Arfa has revealed why he laughed at Arsenal manager Unai Emery during Thursday’s Europa League win.

Ben Arfa has a strained relationship with the Gunners boss after the Spaniard froze him out during his spell in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Frenchman helped Rennes capitalise on Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ first-half dismissal to take control of their Europa League last-16 tie with a 3-1 first-leg victory over Arsenal at Roazhon Park.

Alex Iwobi’s third-minute strike laid the foundations for a positive start from the Gunners, but that was undone on 41 minutes when Sokratis was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Rennes took full advantage instantly as Benjamin Bourigeaud’s thunderous volley from the resulting free-kick hauled the Ligue 1 side level before half-time.

A Nacho Monreal own goal on 64 minutes was compounded two minutes from time when Ismaila Sarr powered home a header to leave Unai Emery’s side with a mountain to climb in next week’s return leg at the Emirates.