Arsenal boss Unai Emery refused to bite back at Rennes attacker Hatem Ben Arfa at today's Europa League media conference.

Rennes beat the Gunners 3-1 in the first leg last week and Ben Arfa admitted after the match that he laughed at Emery during the contest.

"My motivation was to play a solid match, to win and get ourselves into a good position to go through," said Ben Arfa.

"That's what was in my head. But I did see the same Emery, as agitated as ever. I looked over at him a few times and that made me laugh a little. He hasn't changed."

Ahead of the second-leg, Arsenal manager Emery was asked for his thoughts on Ben Arfa's comments about him.

"He's a very good player and we respect him a lot," said Emery.

"My focus is on preparing for the match against Rennes and on each player with his quality. We respect them and him a lot."