Arsenal vs AC Milan, Europa League last-16 live: Latest score and updates

Will Arsenal make it through to the last eight of the competition? Follow all the live action as it unfolds

Danny Welbeck scored a vital first-half goal (Getty)

Arsenal host AC Milan in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 clash, with the Gunners holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg at the San Siro. Will Arsene Wenger's men make good on that impressive outing in Italy? Find out below! We'll be covering the game as it unfolds across the night:

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Match preview:

Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey have given Arsene Wenger’s side a distinct advantage as they head into the clash, after ending AC Milan’s 12-match unbeaten streak.

For Wenger, and with domestic qualification for the Champions League seemingly out of reach, the Gunners’ best chance of qualifying for the tournament could well be through winning the Europa League, and therefore Thursday night takes on a new dimension of pressure and importance for his side.

AC Milan have returned to winning ways in Serie A after their home defeat against Arsenal, and Gennaro Gettuso’s side will be looking for an inspired performance on Thursday against a side who are known to have defensive fragilities across their back line.

What time does it start?

Arsenal vs AC Milan kicks off at 20:05 at the Emirates on Thursday 15 March.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 19:30.

It’s a big game for…

Arsene Wenger. Having lost four games for the first time since 2002, Wenger’s side responded in the right way, beating AC Milan 2-0 away and winning 3-0 at home to Watford. Thursday night is yet another chance for Wenger to prove he is the man to take this club forward beyond this season, and knocking out AC Milan and progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals would go some way to doing just that.

Wenger has once again found himself under pressure (Getty)

Weird /best stat…

AC Milan have won the Champions League seven times, more than any other team left in the 2017/18 Europa League.

Player to watch…

Alex Iwobi. Arsene Wenger has repeatedly stated how highly he rates Iwobi, and despite some off-field antics that saw him disciplined by the club, he has, at times, shone for Arsenal in the current campaign. The home fixture against AC Milan could be another chance for the Nigerian international to impress, and he is certainly capable of doing so.

Alex Iwobi in action for Arsenal (Getty)

Past three meetings…

AC Milan 0 Arsenal 2, Europa League, March 2018

Arsenal 3 AC Milan 0, Champions League, March 2012

AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0, Champions League, February 2012

Form guide…

Arsenal: LLLLWW

AC Milan: WWWWLW

Odds…

Arsenal to win: 1/1

Draw: 13/5

AC Milan to win: 11/4

[15 March 2018 17:45 · Samuel Lovett]

[This live blog starts at 6.45pm]

[15 March 2018 18:48 · Liam Corless]

Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs AC Milan from the Emirates!

The Gunners hold a 2-0 aggregate lead going into the second leg of the Europa League last 16 tie and are the strong favourites to progress.

[15 March 2018 18:53 · Liam Corless]

Arsenal vs AC Milan team news

[15 March 2018 19:00 · Liam Corless]

Martin Keown has today urged Arsenal's fans to rally behind the team despite their discontent with the club's current predicament.

He told the BBC: "Whatever Arsenal's fans think about Arsene Wenger, they have to get behind the team on Thursday and help them try to win the Europa League.

"It would be complete nonsense for any of their supporters at Emirates Stadium to hope they lose their last-16 tie against AC Milan just because it might mean Wenger leaves.

"For the Gunners, this season is not really about the manager now - it is about restoring pride with some performances and trying to win a cup competition, something they have been good at in recent years."

[15 March 2018 19:09 · Liam Corless]

A fan takes a picture at the Emirates prior to kick-off 

[15 March 2018 19:12 · Liam Corless]

Arsenal vs AC Milan - last five meetings

• AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal, March 2018 (Europa League)
• Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan, March 2012 (Champions League)
• AC Milan 4-0 Arsenal, February 2012 (Champions League)
• AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal, March 2008 (Champions League)
• Arsenal 0-0 AC Milan, February 2008 (Champions League)

[15 March 2018 19:15 · Liam Corless]

[15 March 2018 19:22 · Liam Corless]

AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has had some nice words to say about Jack Wilshere ahead of tonight's match.

The Rossoneri boss said of Wilshere: "I remember him when I came here to play a tournament in 2011. He can play in any league.  

"He isn't particularly fast, but does have good technique. He can make the ball do the running and knows where to put it. He can play both as a support striker and playmaker.

"Wilshere had a lot of physical problems and is a player I always appreciated, but he's unusual. He combines English grit with Spanish technique. I like him a lot."

Gennaro Gattuso is a fan of Jack Wilshere 

[15 March 2018 19:30 · Liam Corless]

[15 March 2018 19:37 · Liam Corless]

Martin Keown reckons Jack Wilshere deserves his call-up to the England squad. 

"He's got his fitness and now he's a must player for Arsenal. He's really important to Arsenal."