Unai Emery was satisfied with the Arsenal defending to keep a rare away clean sheet, beating Napoli 1-0 in the Europa League quarter-final.
The Gunners had a 2-0 first leg lead to rely on and extended it in the first half at the San Paolo through Alexandre Lacazette’s free kick.
That visibly sapped the confidence from Napoli, who wasted the chances they did create.
“I am proud of the players. We started very well,” the Coach told BT Sport.
Unai Emery was satisfied with the Arsenal defending to keep a rare away clean sheet, beating Napoli 1-0 in the Europa League quarter-final.
The Gunners had a 2-0 first leg lead to rely on and extended it in the first half at the San Paolo through Alexandre Lacazette’s free kick.
That visibly sapped the confidence from Napoli, who wasted the chances they did create.
“I am proud of the players. We started very well,” the Coach told BT Sport.
“The first half was good because after we scored, we continued not to give them opportunities. We defended well second half. In the two matches we can be happy to win against Napoli.”
Arsenal were forced into a substitution early on, as Aaron Ramsey limped off clutching his hamstring. Considering he has already signed on to join Juventus, has he played his last game for Arsenal?
“I don’t know. It is a muscular injury. Normally it will be some weeks out for him. But we have other players and we can find a performance and rotate players.”
Arsenal go through to face Valencia in the semi-finals, while the other showdown is between Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt.
“Valencia are a very good team with good players. It will be a difficult match for us."
Emery also spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the match.
“Napoli are a very strong team with a lot of history behind them and a Coach who won the Champions League.
“I expected it to be tough. We did well to hold out in the atmosphere of their stadium, as the crowd was very passionate, and we managed to play our game.”