Arsenal’s hunt for qualification to the Champions League next season continues with a very tasty Europa League quarter final match against Italian giants Napoli on Thursday the the Emirates Stadium. Anything other than a win for Unai Emery’s side will spell doom his team and their chances of paying in Europe’s elite competition next season.
For the Gunners to win, certain players will have to be on top form, below are a few who will be Key to the Gunners’ success on Thursday.
Mesut Ozil
The German midfielder was clearly not at his best during Arsenal’s narrow loss to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday and he knew it. He barely created anything of note and in the end, his notable contribution was throwing his jacket at the Everton manager minute after being subbed off.
Against Napoli and especially at home, he will need to be at his best to ensure that the Gunners control the tempo of the match while creating chances for his teammates, a task he does ever so well when he is in the mood. Arsenal plays better when their best player is pulling the strings, if Mesut Ozil is up for it from the start, Unai Emery’s men will be victorious.
Lucas Torreira
The combative Uruguayan defensive midfielder has flown under the radar for the past few weeks due to his lack of involvement in the Premier League owning to a red card suffered in the derby draw with Spurs last month. With Granit Xhaka injured he Torreira will be tasked with shielding the Arsenal backline and he needs to be perfect because Napoli
The likes of Hamsik and Mertens should not be given a sniff on goal otherwise the net will be bulging, Lucas Torreira is the man to ensure that it does not happen.
Alexander Lacazette
Arsenal’s leader in attack will have to be at his absolute best if Arsenal are to have any chance of winning. His work off the ball has been excellent so far but Thursday will be more abut converting the chances that his team mates create for him.
Whether he starts or plays right from the off, the Frenchman is a key figure in how Unai Emery’s team plays and the trend should continue against Napoli.