Arsenal boss Unai Emery targets Europa League glory to end club’s 24-year wait for European silverware

Arsenal begin their Europa League campaign against Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on Thursdat night with Unai Emery keen to end the club’s 24-year wait for a European trophy.

The Gunners were beaten on penalties by Galatasaray in the 2000 Uefa Cup Final and then lost the 2006 Champions League Final to Barcelona in Paris.

Emery’s predecessor Arsene Wenger came up short in his pursuit of continental silverware but the three-time Europa League winner with Sevilla said: “Every title for us is very important. In 2000, Arsenal played the final against Galatasaray but didn't win. And also, Arsenal played the final in 2006 in the Champions League and also didn't win. In my career, the ambition is very important for continuing to improve and continuing to achieve the objectives in my career personally and with the team. I want to play for every title going forward.”

Emery is set to make a raft of changes to Arsenal’s starting line-up. Bernd Leno is set to make his debut in goal while Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi are expected to earn recalls.

And Emery said: “The Premier League is the first competition because it gives us a big responsibility in the season because you analyse over 38 matches. But other competitions are also very, very important.

“And today we are thinking only to give our supporters the best performance for 90 minutes on the pitch at the Emirates, playing at home for me is very exciting. I want to give the players the same excitement when they play at the Emirates and then we will speak about Sunday.

“But first is tomorrow, and tomorrow we will change to give the players option to find minutes and find confidence on the pitch - but players who play tomorrow can also play on Sunday.”