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Unai Emery has told the London Evening Standard that Villarreal are braced to come up against the best versions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka, as he lauded both Arsenal players ahead of Thursday’s tie.
Mikel Arteta’s men go into the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final looking to overturn a one-goal deficit after a 2-1 defeat in Spain last week.
The Gunners handed themselves a lifeline with an away goal. And they also go into the tie off the back of an encouraging win over Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend.
And Emery picked out two players from his former side who really have the potential to inspire Arsenal to a superb comeback at the Emirates.
“He is there to work, to defend the team and give everything for the team, hoping he can perform at the top level and if that happens he is going to be very difficult to stop,” he told the London Evening Standard, as he lauded Aubameyang.
“We expect to find the best Aubameyang possible, the same with Granit Xhaka. I think he is a great person, a really great footballer.
“He was the top scorer in the Premier League when I was there, he is really good physically and is a killer.”
TBR View: Aubameyang could hardly ask for better stage
Aubameyang certainly looks to have a point to prove. It has been a disappointing season for the Gunners talisman. His tally of 14 goals in all competitions is a fairly underwhelming return.
Arsenal worked to extend his contract in the hope that he would step up on the big occasions. And while there have been flashes of brilliance, he has arguably not produced often enough.
The good news for Aubameyang is the stage is perfectly set for the forward to potentially steal the show.
Emery needs no reminding.
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