Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has revealed that he dropped Lucas Torreira from the squad against Valencia because of tactics.
Valencia took an early lead at the Emirates but Arsenal hit back with a brace due to goals from Alexnadre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Asked why Torreira started on the bench, Emery replied: ‘Because we need also with the ball, to have players on the pitch with the possibility against a team like Valencia with two lines of four, to break their line with passes.
“I was thinking with Matteo, he can have that and also with the combination with Mesut. After the first-half, it was not playing like I was thinking. But, it is good for us and our composition with the team, the set up I think was for controlling the possession also. This is the reason. Matteo and Lucas can help us at the beginning, or having an impact. Also, giving us the different qualities.
“Both can play together, can play also one another. It depends on the match. Today I decided with Matteo to play the passes ahead for Mesut, for the strikers, also one side to another side. Maybe the match in the second-half can be different.”
Arsenal's hopes of securing Champions League football next season have been lifted by this victory. Arsenal can of course reach the Champions League by winning this competition, but Chelsea could stand in their way again if they make it to final in Baku.