Take your chance, Wenger urges Arsenal on Europa League
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have enough to make the Europa League final but insists the Premier League is a fair reflection of their “real quality”.
The Gunners will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deifict in their semi-final against Villarreal on Thursday night.
Nicolas Pepe’s away goal gave Mikel Arteta’s side hopes following a poor first-half showing in Spain.
Should they make the Gdansk showpiece it will be Arsenal’s second final in the space of three seasons.
Wenger has urged his former side to take advantage of tonight’s opportunity as he believes there is “no chance” they can qualify for the Champions League whilst also underlining their league position.
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“I want them to do well,” he told beIN SPORTS. “It’s an opportunity to get to a final and come back to the Champions League.
“I believe there is no chance of that in the Premier League but it’s still possible [through the Europa League].
“It will be a success if Arsenal win a trophy, that is always a success, but your real qualities are decided by where you stand in the championship.
“This is the route left for them and they have to completely for it. It’s very strange [Arsenal facing former manager Emery], it looks like an indoor Arsenal game, especially with no fans!
“But overall you still have an advantage playing at home, you feel more comfortable at home. I would say Arsenal have enough offensive potential to win the game.
“You have so many strikers and people who can score goals and be creative. 2-1 is the result at the moment but you should be quite confident to change and reverse it.”
Arsenal warmed up for their semi-final clash with a comfortable victory over Newcastle on Sunday.
The returning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on the scoresheet and could prove a key figure tonight.