Atletico Madrid have emerged victorious against the Gunners in the second leg of the semi-final of the Europa League at Wanda Metropolitano on Thursday with a margin of 1-0, after a goal was scored by former Chelsea man Diego Costa. The club from Madrid will be going to the Final of the Europa League with an aggregate scoreline of 2-1 in their favour. They will face Marseille in the final of the Europa League at Lyon. Here are starting lineups of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid for the big match :
Starting Lineups :
Atletico Madrid : (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper : Oblak
Defenders : Thomas, Giménez, Godín, Lucas.
Midfielders : Gabi, Saúl, Koke, Vitolo
Attackers : Griezmann, Diego Costa.
Arsenal :(4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper : Ospina
Defenders : Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal
Midfielders : Xhaka, Ramsey; Wilshere, Ozil, Welbeck.
Attackers : Lacazette.
Here are the talking points of the second leg match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid :
1. Is Laurent Koscielny’s Career At Arsenal Over?
Arsenal are going to rebuild the squad after the end of the season. Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi might be excluded from the squad in the next transfer window as per the reports are telling. Now, in this match Laurent Koscielny has injured himself in the pitch at just 12th minute of the match. It was a huge blow for the Gunners as the defender again got the injury in the Achilles tendon. He had a previous injury in the same position previously. After the match, the reports are telling that Laurent Koscielny will take minimum 6 months to recover from the injury. So he will surely miss the World Cup in Russia. Antoine Griezmann was in all tears seeing his national team mate going out of the World Cup in this manner. After his come back Koscielny has to work really hard to re-establish his position in the Arsenal colours. So, it might be the end of Laurent Koscielny’s Arsenal career.
2. Diego Costa Loves To Score Against The Gunners :
Atletico Madrid were playing their own style of defensive football at Wanda Metropolitano. Right at the end of the first half, it was a brilliant through ball provided by Antoine Griezmann towards Diego Costa and Costa’s powerful strike gave Atletico Madrid the important lead in the match. It was Diego Costa’s 4th goal in last 7 appearances against the Gunners.
3. Arsenal Lacked The Determination In The Field :
The Gunners created a lot of chances in the match but were not able to convert them into Goals. They were lacking determination in the field to make a comeback in the match. One goal could have changed the course of the match in their favour; but they were unable to do so and hence they were knocked out of the Europa League.
4. Does Arsene Wenger Deserve This? :
In his long managerial career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has no European trophies under his belts. Does Arsene Wenger deserve better- the question still lies in the heart of every Arsenal fans. Wenger was so much attached with the club and wished to finish his Arsenal career with winning the Europa League; but he failed to finish on a high note with an European trophy.
