Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester United: 5 things we learned – Positives despite defeat

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates victory with Eric Bailly after the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates victory with Eric Bailly after the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

1. All in on Europa League

I was extremely happy when I saw the team Unai Emery selected. It was essentially full strength, with him clearly picking the team that he believed gave him the best chance of victory. That meant that he was taking the FA Cup seriously.

Now that Arsenal are sadly out of the FA Cup, the only trophy left to win is the Europa League. A top-four finish is still attainable, but it would be really going some if Emery could win a trophy in his first season at the club. If that trophy also gets you into the Champions League, then bonus.

It seems simple to me, but Emery and his players should now be all in on the Europa League. It is a competition they can win, certainly, and it is a perfect foundation for the Emery era, both in terms of setting the standard of winning trophies on a yearly basis and in regards of regaining Champions League status.

Next. Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Player ratings. dark

Failing to progress in the FA Cup is a shame. But Arsenal can now go all in on the Europa League. Win that, and this loss is quickly forgotten about.