Robert Pires enjoyed a four-year spell at Villarreal after joining the Spanish club from Arsenal (Picture: Getty)Robert Pires believes the presence of Europa League specialist Unai Emery in the Villarreal dugout means the Spanish side hold a slight advantage over their Europa League semi-final opponents Arsenal. Robert Pires was part of the Arsenal team which beat Villarreal in the 2006 Champions League semi-final (Picture: Getty)The former France international believes the tie between two of his former clubs is almost too tight to call, but feels Emery’s experience could prove pivotal over two legs. He told AS: ‘I have been lucky enough to play for two great teams, such as Arsenal and Villarreal. What can save them is to win this Europa League and thus play the Champions League next year. I think Villarreal has an advantage because they have Emery, a coach who has done very well in that competition.

Source: Metro April 28, 2021 18:00 UTC