MX23RW : Monday, April 15 21:08:31| >> :600:313090:313090:

Unai Emery: 'Departing Aaron Ramsey only focused on Arsenal'

Emery: 'Departing Ramsey only focused on Arsenal'
© Reuters
The Juventus-bound midfielder scored the opening goal as the Gunners defeated Napoli in the Europa League.

Unai Emery praised Aaron Ramsey following Arsenal's Europa League victory over Napoli and insists the Juventus-bound midfielder is only thinking about finishing the season well with the Gunners.

The Wales international will move to Turin at the end of his contract this summer but has continued to put in quality performances since the deal was announced.

He opened the scoring as Arsenal secured a 2-0 win in the opening leg of their Europa League quarter-final, with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly's own goal putting Emery's side in charge of the tie.

Emery was impressed by Ramsey's display, although the 28-year-old also spurned a fine chance to score a late third for the hosts.

"His performances in this moment for us show that he wants to do something important with us," the Spaniard said.

"Because I think he feels a lot for Arsenal as a club. When he's here with our supporters, he gives us all he can, not individually, but in the collective.

"I want to enjoy this moment with him. I want to do something important with him. His focus is very big, he's thinking of Arsenal only."

Arsenal now head to Naples next week looking to reach the last four for the second year in a row and Emery was pleased with another strong showing from his side.

Aaron Ramsey applauds the Arsenal fans
Aaron Ramsey applauds the Arsenal fans (Adam Davy/PA)

"We know the first leg today was very important for us to take a good result and a good feeling, also with our supporters and with this competition," he added.

"I think we deserved the result. The two halves were very different because in the first half we controlled the ball very well and controlled with our positioning and attacked their box with the players, scoring two goals and some chances more. We didn't concede a lot for them, only the one chance they earned in the first half.

"The second was different for us because they took more control with the ball and had more possession, but our transition also was very good.

"I think it's a good result but we know it's going to be very difficult because our performances at home have usually been very strong.

Aaron Ramsey applauds the Arsenal fans

"They're going to use their possibilities and attacking options against us for a comeback. Our objective now is to continue being competitive like we are here, away with our gameplay for the next matches."

Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti was at a loss as to why his side started the game so slowly but believes if they can replicate their improved second-half display at the San Paolo Stadium there is still a chance to progress.

"I was surprised by the lack of courage and personality from my players initially," he said.

"We had worked on this. Turning things around now will be difficult, but we'll be home, at the San Paolo, and the fans will help us.

"In the second half we managed to do better, create chances, so I have hope for the second leg. It's difficult, not impossible."


Click here for more stories about Aaron Ramsey

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in September 2018
Read Next:
Man United 'launch £90m bid for Kalidou Koulibaly'
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool34267177205785
2Manchester CityMan City33272486226483
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs332211064343067
4Arsenal33206766402666
5Chelsea34206857362166
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33197763441964
7Leicester CityLeicester34145154645147
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33138124142-147
9Everton34137144644246
10Watford33137134748-146
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham34126164252-1042
12Bournemouth34125174961-1241
13Crystal Palace34116174046-639
14Burnley34116174260-1839
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle34108163243-1138
16Southampton3399153954-1536
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3296173251-1933
18Cardiff CityCardiff3384212863-3528
RFulham3455243276-4420
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3435261967-4814

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account