Arsenal’s comeback against Rennes in the UEFA Europa League has seen them rewarded with a mouth watering tie against Italian giants Napoli in the quarter finals.
The Carlo Ancelotti led team are one of the favorites to win this year’s competition but will come up against yet another strong favorite in Unai Emery’s Arsenal. Most Arsenal fans will probably feel they should have gotten an easier draw but drawing Napoli is not the worst case scenario, here’s why…
To be the best….
You have to beat the best to acquire legendary status in any competition. Arsenal were always going to face any of these big teams if they are going to win the competition and qualify for next season’s Champions League. Beating Napoli would send a clear message of intent to the other big teams still left in the competition, most notably London rivals Chelsea. Beating the likes of Rennes and BATE Borislov is all good for squad morale but Unai Emery’s charges will be judged by how they perform against the Big Boys, Napoli is surely one of them..
Squad morale
Should Arsenal beat Napoli and advance to the Semis, it would be a real morale booster to their squad ad a clear sign that they can go all the way and win it. It would also o them a world of good in their race for a top 4 league finish, simply put it this way, if we can beat Napoli then what about Everton and the likes? Football is a game of fine marginns and confidence could go a long way in determining how you perform, beating Napoli would be very huge confidence booster.
For the fans
Let’s face it, The Europa League is a dull competition that only ignites excitement once you make the semi finals. Arsenal’s campaign this season has seen them face up against the dullest of opponents which sometimes takes the excitement away from the fans. Napoli Vs Arsenal almost feels like a champions League fixture hence should ignite some of the glamour and excitement that ha been lost when Arsenal have played in the competition thus far this season. Bring it on!
Do you think Arsenal can beat Napoli? Let us know in the comments…