Arsenal vs Benfica: 4 talking points from Europa League draw

Chances Go Begging for Aubameyang

Aubameyang should have scored. He should probably have got two.

The first one was a glaring error while the later efforts were nowhere near as easy but could have been converted if he’d have been given a second or third swing of the bat.

A few months ago, those chances wouldn’t have come at all. So while we can bemoan the finishing touch, him making those opportunities and being present for his teammates to find him was the old Aubameyang: the one who missed a fair few chances but they never got mentioned since he’d score one of the other three or four Arsenal created.

Given those misses it’s easy to be reactionary and insist a more clinical finisher is needed. Reactionary, but not reasonable. Aubameyang does miss chances. Strikers do. Off the back of a hat-trick, he hasn’t suddenly lost his scoring touch. At least he’s getting them and, quite strongly, there was a case for keeping him on as Arsenal created nothing after he came off.

He wasn’t the only one guilty of not seizing his moment, and on another day this tie could’ve been out of sight already. 3-1 wouldn’t have been an unjust scoreline by any means.

Benfica were poor on the day and have had an indifferent season in general. They’ll feel they’re still in the tie, as anyone would, but if that game is played out again it’s Arsenal who will qualify. The door is only slightly ajar for them, it’s wide open for Mikel Arteta’s side.