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Villarreal v Arsenal: Unai Emery says Mikel Arteta needs patience from Gunners

Villarreal boss Unai Emery says Arsenal to need show patience with Mikel Arteta as the two managers prepare to face each other in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.

Emery was sacked by the Gunners in November 2019 after 18 months in charge, with Arteta taking over a month later on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

"It's a question of patience. I think it's a perfect marriage," Emery said.

"Arteta is a great manager and you can see a clear identity of a gameplan."

Emery, who was appointed by Villarreal in July 2020, is the most successful manager in Europa League history having won the trophy three times with Sevilla.