The Czech Republic champions have the chance to knock Mikel Arteta’s men out of Europe on Thursday night, and their Nigerian import believes it’s not an impossible task at all
Super Eagles star Peter Olayinka is convinced that Slavia Prague have the resources to outwit Arsenal when the two teams meet at the Sinobo Stadium in the quarterfinals of the Europa League.
Olayinka featured prominently in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium as the Red and Whites pulled off a shocking 1-1 draw at the home of one of the tournament’s favourites.
Arsenal missed countless opportunities before substitute Pierre Emerick Aubameyang gave them the lead in the 86th-minute.
Still, Slavia defender Holes managed to scramble home a late equaliser at the back post to ensure that the spoils were shared in the first leg.
That result may have surprised many, but not Olayinka, who has been an influential member of the Slavia Prague side that has been tagged as underdogs when knocking out an efficient Leicester City and a free-scoring Rangers earlier in the campaign.
Trpisovsky’s men are difficult to beat on their day and have strung together a remarkable 23-game unbeaten run across all competitions and are yet to lose at home in the entire campaign.
25-year-old Olayinka knows Arsenal will find an even more ambitious and resilient Slavia when the Gunners arrive in Prague on Thursday.
“This is a big game for all of us. Getting to the semi-finals is a big deal, and for some of us, this is a rare opportunity,” Olayinka told Brila.net
“We’ve played several top games and are built for difficult opponents. What it looks like is that opposition players underrate us, maybe not their managers, but the players.”
Olayinka helped Slavia win the Czech league title last season and has been equally important as the Red and Whites look poised to retain the crown in May.