Arsenal boss Unai Emery has explained to Football London in detail about why he opted to start with Matteo Guendouzi over Lucas Torreira at the Emirates on Thurday.
Despite conceding an early away goal by Mouctar Diakhaby the Gunners struck three times to win the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash 3-1 against Valencia.
Alex Lacazette grabbed a brace while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a late third to give the North Londoners a crucial two goal cushion to take the the Mestalla next week.
However eyebrows were raised when Emery chose the 20-year-old Guendouzi over the more experienced former Sampdoria midfielder Torreira.
Arsenal player ratings vs Valencia: Lacazette & Aubameyang shine, Torreira impresses in 3-1 win
“After the first-half, it was not playing like I was thinking. But, it is good for us and our composition with the team, the set up I think was for controlling the possession also. This is the reason.
“I was thinking with Matteo, he can have that and also with the combination with Mesut. In response to a question from Football London as to the thinking behind his tactical decision Emery said.
“Matteo and Lucas can help us at the beginning, or having an impact. Also, giving us the different qualities. Both can play together, can play also one another. It depends on the match.
“Today I decided with Matteo to play the passes ahead for Mesut, for the strikers, also one side to another side. Maybe the match in the second leg can be different.”
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