Arsenal: 3 talking points from fabulous 4-0 Slavia Prague win

Henry Payne

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 15: Players of Slavia Praha look dejected after Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal scored his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Eden Arena on April 15, 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Martin Sidorjak/Getty Images)

Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette — Arsenal: 3 talking points from fabulous Slavia Prague win as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe delight while Alexandre Lacazette scores a brace in 4-0 triumph. (Photo by Martin Sidorjak/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s season – and European reputation – was on the line tonight. Failure to get the result they needed would make 2021/22 the club’s first season without continental football since 1992/93.

With Slavia Prague having scored a late away goal in last week’s first-leg, Arsenal needed to score tonight to have any hope of progressing.

Mikel Arteta made just a single change to the quirky team that beat Sheffield United on Sunday, with Emile Smith Rowe replacing Gabriel Martinelli.

Slavia played some lovely football in the game’s opening 15 minutes, and like a Bolton Wanderers side under Sam Allardyce, won seemingly every second ball. However, Arsenal suddenly came to life.

Arsenal: 3 talking points from fabulous Slavia Prague win as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe delight in 4-0 triumph

Bukayo Saka cut inside and looked to curl a shot into the far corner with Ondrej Kolár pushing the ball onto the post brilliantly, and Smith Rowe tucked in the rebound.

The Englishman was ultimately called offside by VAR, but the Gunners would soon get the goal they needed. The composed and tenacious Smith Rowe fed Nicolas Pépé, who finished brilliantly.

Arteta’s men were flying and were soon awarded a penalty after Saka was fouled by Jakub Hromada. Captain Alexandre Lacazette stepped up and rolled the ball into the net. They soon had a third. After cutting inside once more, Saka dragged the ball to the near post, leaving the goalkeeper rooted.

Three away goals in 25 minutes. Fearless. Fabulous. Lacazette would add another late in the second half to complete a wonderful performance.

Slavia Prague’s Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu (L) and the Gunners’ English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg football match between Slavia Prague and Arsenal in Prague on April 15, 2021. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images).

The Kids Are Alright

Although they did not create anything of note during the game’s early stages, Slavia Prague played some nice football, and Arsenal looked a little afraid.

However, the game’s dynamic changed completely when Emile Smith Rowe burst forward in the buildup to his disallowed goal. His intent, matched by Bukayo Saka, took Arsenal to new heights.

The Hale End pair showed once again that they do not need the armband to lead, they do so by example. Along with Gabriel Martinelli, they are the club’s present and future.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – APRIL 15: Jan Boril of Slavia Prague battles for possession with Calum Chambers of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Sinobo Stadium on April 15, 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Calum Chambers is an Undisputed Starter

Calum Chambers is Arsenal’s undisputed starter at right-back. Who would have thought that at the beginning of this season?

Although nightmares of Jefferson Montero persist, the reality is that Chambers has often excelled at right-back, and he has made Kieran Tierney’s absence much more bearable despite being on the opposite flank, as he provides the support needed for the integral balance.

He wasn’t at his absolute best tonight, yet he turned provider for Bukayo Saka and worked tirelessly throughout. For a player who has not long returned from a serious ACL injury, Chambers’ industry deserves huge credit.

He’s secured himself a spot in Arteta’s best 11, and if his good form continues, he may even secure himself a new contract.

Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe — PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – APRIL 15: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal (hidden) celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Eden Arena on April 15, 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Martin Sidorjak/Getty Images)

Confidence Is King

Football is a rollercoaster. After a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Liverpool, few would have given Arsenal hope of winning the Europa League. However, in this vein of form and confidence, Arsenal have every chance of doing so.

Arsenal’s shape – and the personnel within that shape – may be unconventional, but for time being, it is here to stay. Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Partey are thriving in their new roles; Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are growing in stature with each passing game; Pablo Marí is looking increasingly assured.

Mikel Arteta’s team are riding high. Hopefully, they can get another convincing win against Fulham on Sunday.

With this win, Arsenal will now face Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final, after their 3-1 aggregate win over Dinamo Zagreb. Here’s hoping for a repeat of 2006.