Arsenal player ratings vs Benfica: Bukayo Saka secures first leg draw

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Benfica in the first leg of their round of 32 Europa League clash at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening.

Crashing out of the competition at this stage last season, Mikel Arteta opted to field the same lineup that beat Leeds in the Premier League, with Martin Odgeaard retaining his place as the Gunners aimed to hit the ground running in their two-legged tie.

Arsenal controlled the entirety of the first half with Benfica being admittedly awful throughout the 45 minutes. Opting to go with five at the back, they risked a high line that continued to catch Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out.

Knowing they would have most joy in wide areas, it was precisely there where Arsenal carved open the best chance of the half as Hector Bellerin’s low cross needing only tapping in. Somehow, Aubameyang completely fluffed his opportunity and put the ball wide.

Arsenal player ratings vs Benfica as Bukayo Saka seals a draw for Gunners in Europa League round of 32 first leg

Continuing to look the most dangerous in the game, Arsenal still struggled for fluency in their play and Dani Ceballos’ touch-heavy style slowed the play down considerably. They were nearly made to pay for that glorious miss when Granit Xhaka’s wayward ball across the box fed Adel Taarabt, whose cross into the box was well blocked by Ceballos.

It was then Emile Smith Rowe’s turn to block a cross. Unfortunately, with his arm. In the penalty box. Pizzi didn’t miss.

The lead last less than three minutes though, as Bukayo Saka showed Aubameyang how to do it by tapping home from close range. Aubameyang had a couple of opportunities later on after being well found en route to goal but couldn’t find his finishing touch, and the game finished all square.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Made a couple of solid saves in and around a few simple ones. Distribution was good on the night and confident on crosses.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 8/10 – Linked up excellently with Bukayo Saka down the right flank with some superb give-and-go moves, always looking to run beyond and should easily have got an assist for the Aubameyang miss.

Some of his crossing wasn’t perfect and the decision to bypass Martin Odegaard in midfield sometimes cause a few groans, but his overall performance was strong on Thursday.

David Luiz (CB) – 7/10 – Hardly did much wrong and was an assured presence at the back with his fellow countryman. Could he has released the ball better and quicker? Yes, as is usually the criticism of David Luiz.

Gabriel (CB) – 8/10 – Good distribution and weight of pass out from the back, which is no easy feat on such a sticky, wet pitch. He pressed the Benfica strikers well when he had to and held the line well in defence. Rarely put a foot, or a pass, wrong.

Cedric Soares (LB) – 7/10 – Didn’t allow Diogo Gonçalves any joy down the left side but fell foul to a similar issue as Bellerin in occasion in not finding Odegaard in space, despite working acres in central areas.

Got in advanced areas well and found Saka well with his cut-back for the goal.