Peter Crouch and Joe Cole deliver instant reaction as Arsenal draw Slavia Prague

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Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have given instant reactions on BT Sport’s UEFA Europa League Watchalong on Twitter after Arsenal were drawn against Slavia Prague in the last eight of the tournament – the team that knocked out Rangers and Leicester.

The Gunners have been drawn against Slavia Prague, having edged past Olympiacos on Thursday night. Despite winning the first leg 3-1 away from home, they suffered a 1-0 home defeat on Thursday – but it was enough to see them progress.

Slavia, meanwhile, earned a place in the last eight after beating Rangers. Winning 3-1 on aggregate, Rangers finished the match with nine men but the 2-0 second-leg defeat at Ibrox was overshadowed by a racial incident involving Glen Kamara.

Both Crouch and Cole gave their instant reactions following Arsenal’s draw against Slavia Prague, and while both believe the Gunners will be favourites – they believe it is a trickier tie than many will have first imagined.

Crouch said: “I watched them when Leicester were on good form – they were better over the two legs and Steven Gerrard said the same. Arsenal will be favourites, but they will have to be careful. But they’ve got to be pleased with that.”

Cole continued, during BT Sport’s watchalong on Twitter during Friday’s draw: “Trickier than what it looks, I watched the highlights against leicester – they have a tough, well-oiled machine. Tough draw.”

TBR’s view – Arsenal must fancy chances

Though as Crouch and Cole have both stated, it will be tougher than first believed. To have beaten a Leicester side that were in good form, and then beat Rangers who have been magnificent under Gerrard is no mean feat. They are an excellent side.

The fact that both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal have both left the club to join West Ham – and are now shining immediately in the Premier League – shows just how good Slavia are. Arsenal, beware.