Arsenal Fan View: Atletico Madrid draw favours Gunners

After possibly the most exciting European weeknights of recent times, the time has come for the final draw of the continental competitions.

For Arsenal in the Europa League, there’s only one scenario they can actually win.

Here’s the lowdown on their semi-final opponents:

Atletico in the semis is better than in the final

Well, this was bound to happen. The two best sides left in the competition were bound to meet at some point and in my opinion, this is the better draw for Arsenal.

Atlético are the kind of side you don’t want to meet in a one-off match; unless you’re Real Madrid.

They have the footballing impetus ingrained in their team which will not give you an inch during the game.

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Arsenal’s only shot of reaching the Champions League next season is to win the Europa League and they were never going to do that against Atlético in the final.

Over two legs, as we have seen over this past week, anything can happen.

Finally, it has to be said that this will not be an easy game for Atlético either. Arsenal have a certain momentum going right now-as well as the correct team spirit.

Both will be crucial factors for playing against a side whose biggest strength is their collective ability off the ball.

Elneny and Welbeck the unlikely heroes

After finally reaching the semifinals of a European competition since 2009, it is important for Arsenal to value the players who got them there. Aaron Ramsey has been pivotal with his goals and Ozil with his assists, but there are two other players who they will need to go past the Spanish armada.

In the last 6 months, Mohammed Elneny has been growing into one of the most influential midfielders at the club. His work-rate off the ball has allowed players like Ramsey and Ozil to play with freedom and given Wenger an alternative to Xhaka.

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Speaking of alternatives, Danny Welbeck is currently providing Gareth Southgate with one in terms of the forwards to take with him to Russia. His sudden turn of form has been beneficial for the club and given Lacazette time to recover from his injury without any pressure.

While Jack Wilshere hoped he would do the same, Welbeck has actually done the grunt work and shown his ability. For the Gunners, this means a diverse front line that Atlético will have to deal with. As a fan, I can only pray that Lord Welbeck channels his inner Pele over the two legs as well.