Arsenal take a 2-1 lead into the break againt Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final contest.

The visitors struck first in the clash as Mouctar Diakhaby headed home from close range after Rodrigo Moreno had headed Daniel Parejo’s corner across the face of goal.

Ezequiel Garay should have put Valencia before Diakhaby’s opener as Marcelino’s men enjoyed a strong start to the game. However, the Gunners responded with a quick counter, which resulted in Alexandre Lacazette sliding home an equaliser.

The Frenchman was on point again to head his team in front after connecting with Granit Xhaka’s cross into the box. It has been an eventful first half at the Emirates Stadium.

Valencia were on top in the early stages of the game and should have been further ahead.

The fact that they are behind at the break will annoy Marcelino. They were cut open too easily by the Gunners for the two goals, and he will be demanding an improvement from his defenders in the second half.

A 2-1 result would not be a bad one for the Spanish outfit, which will give them pause for thought before committing men forward in the second period.

Photo Credit: uefa.com