After a fairly terrible season for Arsenal, the one hope for the Gunners faithful was the chance of finally winning a major piece of European silverware. 

Despite fielding a fairly weakened side for the opening games of the competition, after progressing through the knockout stages, Arsenal were given an incredibly tough semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners lost the tie in crushing fashion and failed to give long-time boss, Arsene Wenger a proper send-off and once again lost a big European tie.

Following the departure of the Frenchman, Arsenal appointed former PSG and Sevilla boss, Unai Emery to take over at the club. The Spaniard has an incredible record in the Europa League and has recently admitted that he is prioritising winning the competition rather than getting back into the top four.

The Breakdown

The 43-year-old won three successive Europea League titles during his time at Sevilla in a period where the Spanish club dominated Europe. Despite the former Sevilla boss saying that he is prioritising the competition, he made eight changes to his squad on Thursday night as the Gunners beat Vorksla Poltava 4-2 in their opening game of the competition.

After years of only targeting a top four spot, the honest admission from Emery will come as refreshing news for the Arsenal fans. With Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea so far ahead of Arsenal and having to contend with Tottenham and Man U for a top-four spot, targeting the Europa League seems the best option for the Gunners.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?