Arsenal is hoping to turn their fortunes around in the second leg of their match against Belarusian side BATE Borisov this evening.
The North London side lost the first leg 1-0 in Belarus. Striker Alexandre Lacazette will be missing after he was sent off in the first fixture.
Why is this game so important?
There’s lots at stake tonight. A loss would see Arsenal crash out of the Europa League in the 32-group stage.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery is facing criticism from fans. He replaced longstanding manager Arsène Wenger, who held the role for 22 years, in 2018.
Fans have taken to Twitter to share their feelings ahead of the big game, with many commenting on Arsenal’s creative midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Big game for @Arsenal tonight. Surely Emery has to swallow this pettiness with Ozil and go all out. Have had a weekend off, nice and fresh, time to show some brute force.
— Rob Dagwell (@RobDagwell1) February 21, 2019
However, speaking to City News, one fan told us “we gotta [sic] this geezer [sic] a chance. But if we do get beat by this team then we are slacking”.
Arsenal is currently fifth in the Premier League, one place ahead of fellow London club Chelsea.
I’m resigning as an Arsenal fan tonight if Özil doesn’t start.
— TheUnaiView (@TheUnaiView) February 21, 2019
Former Germany international Ozil has been in-and-out of Emery’s squad, amid speculation he is set to leave the club.
The match kicks off at 17:55 GMT today.
