Arsenal Vs AC Milan: 5 things we learned

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Arsene Wenger of Arsenal looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on March 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

1. The Europa League is still on

With his team selections in the past week or so, Arsene Wenger has made it abundantly clear that the Europa League is now the number one priority for the remainder of this season. Good news, then, that his side are now in the draw for the quarter-finals of the competition on Friday.

What’s even better news is the absence of Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, who lost in the prior two rounds. In fact, even though the average quality is still high with teams like RB Leipzig, Lazio and CSKA Moscow lurking, the only team that would be a genuinely frightening prospect is Atletico Madrid. Avoid them for another round, and Arsenal could be staring down the barrel of the first European final since 2006.

There is obviously still a long way to go. Of the seven other teams remaining, there is not an easy tie, certainly not like there has been in previous seasons. Manchester United, for example, faced St Etienne, FC Rostov, Anderlecht, and Celta Vigo to reach the final. Arsenal will not be afforded the same luxury of a kind run.

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Nevertheless, the Europa League is still there to be won. That, for now, is all that can be asked of this team. A chance. Let’s hope they get a kind draw and can continue working their way through the rounds.