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TOO GOOD

Arsenal are ‘too good for the Europa League’ and will reach final, says Qarabag boss

The Gunners topped their group having frequently playing youngsters and reserves

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ARSENAL are expected to win the Europa League, as they are ‘too good’ for the competition, Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov claimed.

Qarabag were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates last night with Alexandre Lacazette’s first-half strike the decider.

 Arsenal topped their group after the 1-0 win
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Arsenal topped their group after the 1-0 winCredit: AP:Associated Press

Gurbanov predicted Arsenal will win the competition, and cited they should be competing in Europe's top flight, the Champions League.

He said: “I believe the team will reach the final.

“I would love to see Arsenal in Baku for the final.

“Arsenal should not play in the Europa League.

 Gurbanov think the Gunners will win the competition
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Gurbanov think the Gunners will win the competitionCredit: EPA
 Lacazette's first half strike settled the game
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Lacazette's first half strike settled the gameCredit: EPA

“They should be playing in the Champions League.”

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has used Europe’s understudy competition as an opportunity to experiment with younger players.

The switch up in squad paid off as Arsenal topped their group stage winning all but one game as they drew at home to Sporting Lisbon.

Youngsters such as Emile Smith-Rowe, Joe Willock, and Eddie Nketiah were all handed starts in the group stage as Emery afforded regular starters to rest in the week.

 Emery used the group stage as an opportunity to allow game time to others
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Emery used the group stage as an opportunity to allow game time to othersCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Last season Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the Europa League losing to eventual winners Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea join Arsenal in the next round of the competition as they too topped their group.

The Blues are the last English side to win the competition when they lifted the trophy in 2013, a year after they also won the Champions League.

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