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Emery proud of Arsenal character as Europa League final beckons

Unai Emery saluted his squad's "perfect mentality" after Arsenal defied their poor domestic form to win 4-2 at Valencia and advance to the Europa League final.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's hat-trick and a second-half goal from Alexandre Lacazette inspired the Gunners to a memorable triumph at Mestalla and convincing 7-3 aggregate success.

Arsenal can now pin their Champions League qualification hopes on beating London rivals Chelsea, who edged Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties, in Baku on May 29.

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Reaching the top tournament via the Europa League has become the club's likely last resort after a run of one win and four defeats in six top-flight matches left them three points adrift of the Premier League's top four with one game to play.