Arsenal fans have reacted on Twitter after Unai Emery claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘still the favourites’ to progress through to the Europa League final, as he told his pre-match press conference.
Even though Villarreal hold a 2-1 lead from the first-leg, and judging by the first-half performance, it should have been a lot more.
Emery thinks it’s Arsenal who hold the upper hand because they ‘started’ as favourites and he doesn’t think that has changed.
It’s clear mind games from the former Arsenal coach, and fans understand that, as his expertise during these crucial stages could now prove to be the difference in his side going through.
In truth, Villarreal should progress from here because of Emery’s record in this competition, Arsenal’s problems in defence and their abject home record.
And regardless of whatever games Emery is playing before the game, this match does seem to be bigger for the managers rather than the players themselves.
For Arteta, if he loses this then it doesn’t bode well for his future because he would have been knocked out by the man that he replaced at the Emirates.
And Arsenal’s current status in the Premier League doesn’t exactly help him either.
Equally, if Arteta is able to mastermind his way past Emery then those backing the former midfielder can shout louder that the road he is taking them down should be trusted.
Nonetheless, here is a selection of Arsenal fans reacting to Emery’s comments about his former club being favourites for Thursday’s EL tie:
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