Laurent Koscielny hails Arsenal for 'ambition' they showed in Napoli victory

Laurent Koscielny was pleased Arsenal’s bold game-plan came off as they beat Napoli to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

The Gunners led 2-0 from the first leg and tried to take the game to Napoli from the off in Italy, which paid off when Alexandre Lacazette put them 1-0 up before half-time.

Koscielny was delighted with both the performance of the team and the fact they kept a clean sheet.

READ MORE: Footballers to boycott social media in protest at racial abuse

READ MORE: Chelsea survive fightback to beat Slavia Prague

READ MORE: Arsenal cruise past Napoli to reach Europa League semi-finals

“We know Napoli played in the Champions League this season and we know they’re a good team,” he said.

“It’s a good squad, with good players. I think we did the job at home to keep the clean sheet and score goals.

“Today we knew if we scored one they needed to score four. We respect them but we tried to play. After going 1-0 up we were happy to sit back, but we fought to defend and suffer together. It’s good for spirit of the team.”

He added: “We came here with ambition. We wanted to win and score some goals. We did it with Lacazette and we kept the clean sheet as well.

“It’s important for our confidence as well as a clean sheet last Monday [against Watford].

“For the rest of season we know each game is a final. We’re happy tonight with qualification and tomorrow we switch [our focus] to the Premier League.”

Boss Unai Emery was just as pleased after asking his players to take early risks to put the tie to bed.

“I asked the players to take chances,” he said. “I think in the first half it was good because after we scored we continued not to give them opportunities.

“Second half, we worked hard defensively, we didn’t concede a lot and we had a big chance through Aubameyang [to score]. But all in all, [over the] two matches we deserved to beat Napoli.”