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.

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Dani Ceballos (CM) – 3/10 – Another fine display from Dani Ceballos who is taking his chances in place of Thomas Partey well. He recovered possession throughout and demonstrated his neat technique to slalom his way through some tight pressing, opening a few spaces in the process.

Until the rest….

He gave away a needless foul for the first goal and then produced an utter calamity for the second. Inexplicable. Cost the team two goals.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6/10 – Was neat and tidy doing all that could be asked of him. In a midfield so compact and tight he couldn’t do too much more.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 6/10 – Saw more of the ball than anyone on the night, picking up the right spaces and looking to carve openings in behind. He lowered the number of touches he took in the second half after being guilty of overplaying in advanced areas in the opening 45.

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 8/10 – Such a genius footballing brain. Understanding the flow of the game and the outlook of the opposition, he knows the spaces where he can hurt which he showed in devastating fashion for the opening goal.

His impact waned as the game wore on, as it did for many, but he produced magic to set up the captain. AGAIN.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 8/10 – Beautifully taken first goal and was a hair away from getting a second with an almost identical finish.

His general play was lacking in the centre-forward role, but who cares. He scored twice. Two great goals.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 5/10 – Didn’t take initiative enough for large spells. Lacked the instinct to take his man on or turn, instead looking to be the creative addition to moves as opposed to the instigator of them.

He isn’t at his best on the left even if the system allows for fluidity and movement, as well as interchanging with Aubameyang. Kept up his pressing, though.

Arsenal Substitutes Ratings

Willian – 7/10 – Set up the equaliser superbly and used his energy in the right areas as soon as he came on. Looked a genuine threat on the left and tried to stretch the Benfica backline at every opportunity. He did not, however, press enough. The switch killed that.

Thomas Partey – 5/10 – Wasn’t able to have the impact he, or Arteta, would have liked.

Alexandre Lacazette – N/A – Barely saw the ball after coming on.

Mohamed Elneny – N/A

Calum Chambers – N/A