Emery: I won’t tinker for Europa League

UNAI EMERY challenged his players to cope with the demands of playing in the Premier League and Europa League as he searches for his most effective team. Predecessor Arsene Wenger often used separate sides during Arsenal’s run to the Europa League semifinals last season. But Emery said players would be picked on merit, saying: ‘My first priority is to find the best performance for each match and competition. ‘If Thursday is the Europa League, Sunday is the Premier League, then next week is the Carabao Cup — we need to choose the best first XI. We are going to continue thinking in each match about our best XI.’ A case in point is striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang, who has started each of Arsenal’s five Premier League matches. Aubameyang started against Vorskla on Thursday and responded by scoring twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory, boosting a player who had scored just once this season. ‘When I started playing Aubameyang, I thought he needed confidence and to continue finding his best performance,’ said Emery. ‘I have a lot of confidence in him, but also the other strikers like Danny Welbeck and Alexandre Lacazette. ‘I want to work with them and give them the best opportunities.’ Emery is hopeful Lucas Torreira will be fit for tomorrow’s match with Everton after the midfielder limped off against Vorskla. TV: Arsenal v Everton, LIVE on Sky Sports from 3.30pm tomorrow (kick-off 4pm).