Slavia Prague vs Arsenal: Europa League – LIVE!
It’s make or break for Arsenal’s season as the Gunners travel to the Czech Republic for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash with Slavia Prague.
Out of both domestic cup competitions and with little hope of qualifying for Europe through the Premier League, this represents Mikel Arteta’s side’s final chance to salvage silverware from the season – and book a place in the Champions League for next.
The Gunners have made things hard for themselves, wasting a host of excellent chances in the first leg at the Emirates last week and then, having finally found the breakthrough courtesy of Nicolas Pepe, conceding a late equaliser which means Slavia have a slender advantage going into tonight’s game, thanks to the away goals rule.
The Czech outfit are superb at home, having not lost a game at the Eden Arena all season, but Arteta is at least boosted by the availability of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka after injuries.
You can follow all the action LIVE in Standard Sport’s blog below…
Live updates
37 mins: Finally, half a chance for the home side as Olayinka backheels cleverly into the path of the arrivin Ba but he blazes miles over his inanimate namesake.
32 mins: It must be said that the home side have been absolutely dreadful since “conceding” that effort that was subsequently ruled out by VAR.
They need to score four, as things stand.
29 mins: I make that three goals in an electrifying six minutes from Arsenal – and a few minutes before that they’d had one chalked off by VAR.
Remarkable stuff from the Gunners.
Simon Collings for Standard Sport
Smith Rowe is such a joy to watch. He’s the glue in this forward line, knits things together and allows others to flourish. Pepe and Saka look superb outside him.
GOAL! | Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal | Bukayo Saka 25’
Bukayo Saka drives inside again and this time opts for the near post, sliding in a lovely finish. This is as good as over, surely?!
Simon Collings for Standard Sport
Okay who are you and what have you done with Arsenal please?
GOAL! Slavia Prague 0-2 Arsenal | Alexandre Lacazette (P) 21’
And suddenly they’ve got one foot in the semi-final!
Lacazette steps up and sends the ‘keeper the wrong way and the Gunners are rampant!
20 mins: Penalty to Arsenal!
It’s all going on! Bukayo Saka is brought down from behind and the referee points to the spot.
GOAL! | Slavia Prague 0-1 Arsenal | Nicolas Pepe 18’
Will this one count?! Yes, it will!
Brilliant feet from Smith Rowe and Pepe could go down under the challenge after being slipped in but he keeps his feet and guides a lovely finish home at the near post.