The Gunners have an old score to settle against their semi-final opponents, Valencia.
After the victory in Napoli, the confident Arsenal now head against a resilient Spanish club Valencia whom we have found difficult to get through in past years.
In a total of 5 games played, we have only beaten Valencia in 1 game, succumbing in 3 and squaring off in 1. The stats of Arsenal have not been good in away matches (except the one in Napoli) where we have lost to lower ranked sides pretty easily.
Although we have an added advantage going into the semi-final with our form, Emery’s knowledge on Valencia all being on our side, the history is not with us. And that is what we have to play and avenge for, trying to get the better of Valencia as well as our position from last year’s Europa League where we had finished in Semis.
The rivalry with Valencia goes way back in 1980’s where we gifted them UEFA European Cup Winners final trophy after losing in the penalties. The next defeat came across in 2000/01 where we again lost to the same side owing to away goals.
The ritual was then followed by this Spanish club in 2002/03 where they beat us in the group stage. We do have a win against this side but none on their home ground i.e Mestalla Stadium. The Spanish club is as impressive at their home as their past against us, and to beat them going to Spain will be a challenge Unai Emery and Arsenal will have to look forward with grace.
Apart from our home record, we also have to avenge for the racial comments and abuses that were suffered by our legendary player Thierry Henry when he had travelled to this beautiful city of racially infused people.
Let’s hope they have learnt from the social media carnage that has been followed against such racial commenters and if not our ruthless victory will have to answer them and shut the same.
WATCH: VALENCIA 2 – 1 ARSENAL | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2003
