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Unai Emery says Arsenal have proven themselves on big stage after impressive win in Napoli

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Arsenal manager Unai Emery says he is proud of his players after their 1-0 win in Napoli saw them advance to the Europa League semi-finals

Unai Emery said Arsenal's impressive win in Napoli to seal a Europa League semi-final place proved his side can mix it with the best.

The Gunners became only the second team to beat Napoli in Naples this season, after Serie A leaders Juventus, with a 1-0 triumph courtesy of Alexandre Lacazette's first-half free-kick.

After the game, Emery said: "I'm very proud of the players, very proud of the work, because here, I think we showed we have the habit to play against good teams with good players and in big atmospheres, have a lot of personality with our idea.

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after opening the scoring during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg football match Napoli vs Arsenal on April 18, 2019 at the San Paolo stadium in Naples. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images)
Image: Alexandre Lacazette scored the game's only goal in Naples

"We wanted to have more possession with the ball, keep more of the ball and control the match with the ball. We didn't do all I wanted, but the positioning in the first half we were very good, pressing well.

"Being in their box a lot of the time, gave us the possibility to score - that was our objective today, and after that to win."

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Emery also gave an update on the prospects of injured Aaron Ramsey, who went off with a hamstring problem in the first half - and may not feature again for Arsenal before he leaves for Juventus in the summer.

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