Napoli vs Arsenal: Unai Emery believes Arsenal have ‘50-50 chance’ to reach Europa League semi-finals

The Gunners hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg with Carlo Ancelotti’s side hosting the return tonight at the San Paolo

Jack Rathborn
Thursday 18 April 2019 12:41 BST
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Unai Emery happy with Arsenal's 1-0 win over Watford

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Unai Emery insists Arsenal only have a “50-50 chance” of reaching the Europa League semi-finals despite carrying a 2-0 lead into Thursday’s second leg against Napoli.

Goals from Aaron Ramsey and a Kalidou Koulibaly own-goal were enough to secure the significant advantage.

But Emery’s Arsenal struggling away from home, with just three wins from their last nine away games in all competitions.

And Napoli’s formidable home record, with just one loss all season, against Juventus, is enough to give them a significant chance, claims Emery.

“Fifty-fifty, it’s not changed for me,” Emery said. “We played the first leg at home and we won.

“That’s a normal result. But when you play here against Napoli, they can beat you, it’s a possibility because they are very strong at home.

“(They will test us) tactically and with this atmosphere here they are going to play with courage. They are ready to play with their head and intelligence.”

On-loan midfielder Denis Suarez is receiving treatment for a groin problem back in London.

Lucas Torreira is available though, despite a recent groin problem.

Unai Emery believes Arsenal have a 50-50 chance against Napoli
Unai Emery believes Arsenal have a 50-50 chance against Napoli (Getty)

While Sokratis Papastathopoulos could return after missing the win against Watford through suspension.

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