Arsenal player ratings vs Benfica: Aubameyang double seals progression

Arsenal won 3-2 against Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 second leg at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Thursday night, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late goal stole victory.

Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe both started in the first leg and Mikel Arteta opted to keep the same side from the 1-1 draw with the exception of Kieran Tierney coming in at left-back in place of Cedric Soares.

A subdued and relatively poor start from Arsenal saw them struggle for creativity against a more aggressive and compact Benfica, who were quicker to the ball and tighter to their man than in the first leg.

Despite that, the opening goal was of the highest order as Bukayo Saka drifted infield and delivered a delightful reverse pass through on goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who delicately chipped the ball over Helton to put the Gunners’ noses in front.

Arsenal player ratings vs Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 second leg on Thursday as Aubameyang double seals win

Sloppy in possession and rarely threatening, Benfica still found a route back into the game, scoring once more from a set-piece as Diogo Goncalves curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner just before half-time.

Aubameyang had the ball int he back of the net shortly after the break, but the offside flag came up and the replays showed him to be an inch offside.

Then the shocker. Dani Ceballos, for no reason whatsoever, opted to head a long ball back towards goal with Rafa running in behind him. It was a gift.

In desperate need of clawing a way back into the game, Willian did well down the left before feeding Kieran Tierney. The Scot still had plenty to do but rifled a fine effort across goal to level the scores on the night.

Then, in the dying embers, Aubameyang was wonderfully found by Saka to steal the win. And what a win it was.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Could do nothing about the free-kick which was utterly superb. Handled well but his distribution was a touch off on a few occasions.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 5/10 – Didn’t get back to cover lanes fast enough and generally moved about too slowly. Fatigue will surely have played a part but his attacking input was limited with the three men Benfica put on him and Saka all evening.

David Luiz (CB) – 5/10 – Comfortable at the back albeit a somewhat too catious on the ball at times. The options in front were limited, but he looked too sluggish in possession and started lacking the concentration needed in the second half.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – 5/10 – Solid enough outing for the Brazilian alongside his countryman, who suffered from similar issues as Luiz. There was more intent on finding a forward pass and carrying possession, but he let nerves get the better of him and his performance dropped as the game wore on.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10 – Looked utterly shattered even after the opening 15 minutes. He continued to push himself and try to force things down the left, but his delivery was lacking far too often. Then the took initiative and got the goal that to level the score on the night. Superb finish.