Europa League Semi-Finals: Arsenal come from behind to defeat Valencia 3 - 1

Arsenal Manager Unai Emery gestures to his players - Reuters/Express

Alexandre Lacazette scored twice as Arsenal came from behind at Emirates Stadium to win the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Valencia.

Mouctar Diakhaby's header put Valencia in front before Lacazette slotted in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's pass.

The Frenchman nodded in Granit Xhaka's cross seven minutes later to make it 2-1 before half-time.

Ars 3 - 1 Val - As posted... 👇👇

FT 3-1 pic.twitter.com/kwCMhDN7TO
— Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) May 2, 2019

And Aubameyang's late volley ensured Arsenal take a two-goal lead to Spain.

Lacazette should have scored a hat-trick - he fluffed a header from six yards out in the second half and was later denied by goalkeeper Neto on two occasions.

Lacazette - As posted... 👇👇

HE'S ONLY GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN! 🎺@LacazetteAlex ON FLAMES! 🔥#ARSVAL 🔴 2-1 🇪🇸 (25) pic.twitter.com/VVYS1P1nUD
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 2, 2019

But Arsenal will travel to Valencia for the second leg next Thursday, hoping to avoid a second successive semi-final defeat after they were knocked out by eventual winners Atletico Madrid last year.

More photos 👇👇

Alexandre Lacazette (left) netted a brace while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right) sealed Arsenal's home victory against Valencia with the third - Reuters/Express