Arsenal secured a 3-0 win over Belarusian Premier League outfit BATE Borisov at the Emirates Stadium in the second-leg of their Europa League last-32 clash on Thursday night, booking a spot in the last-16 after winning 3-1 on aggregate.
An own goal from Zakhar Volkov in the fourth minute saw the Gunners draw level, while Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos finished the job later on.
The hosts proved too much to handle for BATE, and while the players would have been gutted after putting in an impressive performance a week ago, one of them is happy with the reception he received at the Emirates.
Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb returned to north London since leaving in 2008, and was substituted on in the 58th minute.
The home fans were glad to see the 37-year-old, and he couldn't help but react to the warm reception he received post-game.
Hleb spent three years at Arsenal after arriving from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2005, making 130 appearances across all competitions and scoring 10 goals.
The Belarusian legend signed a four-year deal with Barcelona afterwards, but could only feature in 19 league games in his first season at the star-studded side before returning to Stuttgart on loan.
Hleb spent the last two years of his deal on loan at Birmingham City and Wolfsburg, finally returning to his childhood club in 2012.
He is in his fifth stint with BATE having turned to somewhat of a journey man throughout his career, but Arsenal remain dear to him as he came into limelight at the Emirates.
ripeiu
1
Hleb kudos, no one has rekindled your performance since you left Arsenal, keep fit Man cheers!
Toockmnpty
1
Hleb we just show u that arsenal is a family club..even though u leave us during the time we needed u
Wapcsu
0
it's good to see that he's still doing good though
FaithEvans
0
Fantastic player,unfortunately for us he was with a certain amount of players that although playing for Arsenal at the same time, coincidentally also had Barcelona DNA.
what do u know about Barça DNA?
Jayhayes
1
Sign him in the summer
Hymanhugo
0
It was a pleasure seeing Hleb back on the Emirates pitch, I Sang his name 😉
boycott
1
Fantastic player,unfortunately for us he was with a certain amount of players that although playing for Arsenal at the same time, coincidentally also had Barcelona DNA.
FCBrobben
0
Cheers, son's crying now.
vamosl
1
Great to see a former player acknowledge those who have supported him throughout his playing career. 👍
Lozenges
0
Touch of class from our old number 13.
starryen
0
I liked him but he smashed in a transfer request after having a row with Fabregas - called him selfish - so that makes him alright in my book 👍
Casioos
1
Was watching the game this morning and omg it just felt so good to hear his name 🥰🤩👌🏼
kevery33
1
Haven't read any responses to that but if there are any negative comments, I don't care. Thanks to Alex.
Madonnai
0
I watched you in the CL final and 14 years later I saw you entering the pitch. Strange, but nice feeling. Very nostalgic.
doltish
0
Is he off to Barcelona now?
iodines
0
Alex Hleb 🤩😍 you’re always in our hearts too.
Chinyerers
1
Let's stay classy. It makes a good impression.
Isaacsoner
0
At least they knew who he was.
ukraine
1
It shows the fans in a nice light, it’s better than booing.
Mageecolun
0
No harm in a bit of love to former players. Time makes the heart grow fonder....
binaries
0
Really can't understand the Hleb applause. More revisionism. Desperate to leave us at first chance
Derobect
1
What a night this was , Hleb & Henry COYG Thank You 😊
dapbiortuz
0
Gunners lucky no. 13.
sabinjung99091
2
arsrnal trademark position 6