Arsenal
[Video goals] Arsenal 3-1 Valencia: Lacazette & Aubameyang put Gunners in control
Alexandre Lacazette scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie
Alexandre Lacazette scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie at the Emirates.
Arsenal started very slowly and Valencia took full advantage as they got a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Mouctar Diakhaby was on hand to head home at the far post to make it 0-1 following some sloppy defending.
However, Arsenal equalsied in the 18th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang raced clear before laying it off for Lacazette to tap home for 1-1 and the Frenchman then put us ahead with a fine header in the 25th minute following a superb Granit Xhaka cross.
Lacazette then missed a great headed chance to make it 3-1 midway through the second half before wasting another golden opportunity to complete his hat-trick when his close range shot was saved by Neto.
Petr Cech then made a great save to deny Gameiro and keep it at 2-1 and it proved to be a crucial stop as Arsenal scored what could be a vital third goal in the 90th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang volleyed home at the far post from a Sead Kolasinac cross.
The 3-1 victory puts Arsenal in control of the semi-final ahead of next weeks return leg in Spain so Unai Emery will be confident of booking their place in the Europa League final.
Watch the goals here: