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    Arsene Wenger Urges Caution, Praises Aaron Ramsey After Arsenal's 4-1 CSKA Win

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassFeatured ColumnistApril 6, 2018

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger waits for the beginning of the soccer Europa League group H match between FC Cologne and Arsenal in Cologne, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
    Martin Meissner/Associated Press

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed his team after the Europa League win over CSKA Moscow, but he also preached caution, telling reporters his players have only done "half of a job."  

    Aaron Ramsey was a standout in the 4-1 win, which gave the Gunners a strong position for earning a spot in the semi-finals ahead of the second leg in Russia on Thursday.

    However, Wenger said he wasn't ready to celebrate just yet, per BBC Sport's Neil Johnston:

    "We have to be realistic. We have to do the job over there, go and try to win the game, that's the best way.

    "We have done half of a job. There was a good pace in the first half, the two teams gave everything, which is why is was such a spectacular first half."

    LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the frist goal during the UEFA UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final first leg match between Arsenal FC and CSKA Moskva at Emirates Stadium on April 5, 2018 in London, United Kingdo
    TF-Images/Getty Images

    He also praised midfielder Ramsey, who scored twice in the win, saying: "When Ramsey plays game after game he's not only involved in the buildup, he's now calmer in his finishing."

    Arsene Wenger Urges Caution, Praises Aaron Ramsey After Arsenal's 4-1 CSKA Win
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    The Wales international opened the scoring in the ninth minute and got on the scoresheet again in the 28th minute, making the score 3-1 after Aleksandr Golovin had tied things up and Alexandre Lacazette had reclaimed the lead. The Frenchman also added a second goal.

    All five goals came in the first half, a spectacular period that gave Arsenal all the momentum. The Gunners held on to their lead in the second period and will now travel to Moscow with a three-goal advantage.

    The Russian side's sole consolation is the away goal, which could be a lifesaver if they can perform a minor miracle next week.

    Miguel Delaney of The Independent didn't think it was likely:

    Miguel Delaney @MiguelDelaney

    CSKA were I think the worst side I've seen this season, and that includes lower-league cup opposition.

    The Gunners could have added even more goals, but the 4-1 scoreline still seems comfortable heading into the second leg. Their quarter-final opponents have been far from great at home this season, with FC Basel, Lyon and Manchester United all taking wins at Arena CSKA.

    Wenger also revealed Henrikh Mkhitaryan picked up a knee injury that will sideline him for Sunday's Premier League game with Southampton, so not everything went Arsenal's way on Thursday.